Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks, simmered in a tangy and sweet sauce made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Cooked slowly to meld flavors perfectly, it's an easy and flavorful dinner option that pairs beautifully with white rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Vegetables
- 28 oz frozen meatballs (1 bag)
- 20 oz can pineapple chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice in a cup or bowl for making the sauce. Roughly chop the green and red bell peppers.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Top them with the drained pineapple chunks and the chopped bell peppers evenly.
- Make Sweet and Sour Sauce: In the reserved pineapple juice, whisk together the brown sugar, white vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, and soy sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the meatballs and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Stir gently before serving. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over white rice, if desired. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before cooking.
- Feel free to add chopped onions or a splash of orange juice to enhance the flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe works well with homemade or fresh meatballs as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
