Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- SERVES
- 12
- COOK TIME
- 7 Hr
For this crowd-pleasing appetizer, all you have to do is mix together flavorings with prepared frozen meatballs and let the slow cooker do all the cooking! Our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are easy to make, easy to bring along, and easy to clean up!
What You'll Need
- 1 (9- to 10-ounce) jar sweet and sour sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
What to Do
- Place all ingredients in slow cooker; stir gently then cover with lid. Cook on low setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on high setting for 4 to 5 hours, until done.
- Carefully remove lid to allow steam to escape. Serve directly from slow cooker (see Note).
Note
- For even more recipes like this one, check out our collection of Must-Make Meatball Recipes!
- Break out your other slow cookers, 'cause we've got some more Yummy Slow Cooker Appetizer Recipes you won't want to miss out on!
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Nutritional InformationShow More
Servings Per Recipe: 12
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Calories 324
- Calories from Fat 171
- Total Fat 19g 29 %
- Saturated Fat 6.7g 33 %
- Trans Fat 0.0g 0 %
- Protein 14g 28 %
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Cholesterol 22mg 7 %
- Sodium 1,050mg 44 %
- Total Carbohydrates 24g 8 %
- Dietary Fiber 0.9g 4 %
- Sugars 16g 0 %
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msdeb21
May 30, 2017
I am saving recipes for summer picnics/family get-togethers, so I am happy I found this one. I think my family will like the change from the Italian style meatballs I usually serve. I like that this recipe is easy and uses the slow cooker. I can make it and take it all in the same container. I might try using turkey meatballs one time just to see if it still tastes okay.
kmcartoonity 62072 74
Mar 26, 2017
This is one of my go to recipes when serving a large group - it is always a big hit and there seldom are leftovers. I use the turkey meatballs for this recipe, since it cuts down on the fat and doesn't leave the sauce as greasy. I like the flavor of fresh pineapple better than the canned variety, so I used that. if you take the meatballs out to thaw ahead of time, you can really cut down on the cooking time by almost half, since the meatballs are precooked.
mrspansy2005 42576 12
Jun 21, 2016
Made these for a picnic and they were GONE in a minute!! Incredibly good. I made them in the oven since I don't have a crockpot. Such a beautiful presentation in the pineapple shell. Can't wait to make them again.
raymondtreciokas 4 121902
Jun 13, 2015
Hello Mr. Food, thanks for the recipe, please let me know how can cook on the stove or oven and for how long .
Test Kitchen Team
Jun 15, 2015
Hi Raymond! - To make these meatballs on your stove, you'll need to place the ingredients for the sauce in a pot and get it hot, then add the meatballs and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until heated through. Add your pineapple and peppers halfway through cooking. To make them in your oven, place the meatballs in a baking dish, mix your sauce ingredients in a bowl, and then pour over your meatballs. Cook at 325 degrees F for 45 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy!
sdahl 5432051
May 06, 2015
Great recipe. I did change 3 things though. I used pineapple tidbits. Spreads out the pineapple more. I added 2 tablespoons of corn starch to a Quarter cup of reserved pineapple juice to thicken the sauce more. And I made my own meatballs. Can't eat the pre-made ones. Served over a bed of Jasmine rice. Big hit with the family.
Crinklepants
Feb 19, 2014
I once tried to heat a crock pot of food up on a stove by itself. Bad mistake,it cracked of course and I could not find a new pot for the crockpot either. But later I was in a sort of antique store in Little Washington,Virginia. And there I found many different sizes of pots. And I brought two pots which fit my crockpot perfectly. They at the time were only five dollars each.
cedwards318 788210 1
Sep 17, 2013
I banged my heavy large crockpot on my countertop and took a chip out of the counter. So, yeah, a liner is helpful.
Darla135
Sep 17, 2013
This sounds like a recipe I'm going to have to try. I use Pam spray instead of the liners as a rule, but the liners make clean up a snap. My husband doesn't like canned pineapple, so can I use only the juice and omit the chunks of fruit? Thanks!
Test Kitchen Team
Sep 17, 2013
You don't want to add the juice, because the recipe calls for it drained. You can leave the pineapple out if your husband doesn't like it. Just please remember, although there is brown sugar in this recipe, the pineapple contributes to the sweetness of the dish. Thank you!
grannyblu
Aug 18, 2012
So easy to make your own meatballs 2 lb ground beef 1/2 cup -3/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 small onion,finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced ,1 egg beaten salt & pepper for Chinese meatballs add 1 teaspoon ground ginger... (for Italian meatballs add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese) For sauce add 1/3 cup vinegar to drained pineapple juice plus 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup brown or white sugar 2tbls soy sauce 1/2 to 1 t ground ginger whisk & pour over meatballs & pineapple cook on low 6to 8 hours then add 2 heaping tablespoons cornstrach to 2 tbls cold water whisk & stir in let cook till thicker can also add some marschino cherries cut in half and some cherry juice I do realize frozen meatballs are really super easy and quick with less clean up I also spray my crock pot with cooking spray for easy clean up crock pot bags are very expensive
craddocka1 9490552
Apr 07, 2012
I didn't know they had liners for slow cookers. Why do you need this. I just put everything in and go for it. Alan
wait4nite 7999382
Oct 16, 2012
If you have a heavy crock pot like I do & your dad dropped the inside while cleaning it and it shattered, you would understand why buying the liners is a good idea. We had to replace the whole crock pot because we couldn't find the inside due to it's age. I hate cleaning it because it's so heavy. I was also worrying that I would drop it while trying to wash & dry it. Now I don't have to worry anymore. God bless the person who designed these!
ellaruth
Sep 18, 2013
You can buy them at Walmart. They're with the foil, wax paper. etc.. They do make cleanup easier when you make things like stuffing balls. These are especially good when you are taking a crockpot to a gathering.
vhindel
Aug 02, 2011
To all that are asking about the "plastic liner"; this is a bag that is found in the aisle where aluminum foil, etc. is found. The only reason it is used is to make cleanup easier. So in answer to the question -- is it needed? No, just makes life a lot easier.
mdachristian 57493 41
May 15, 2011
Why would you want to make a homemade sauce when store bought is good?
cferguson001 12540 45
May 08, 2011
what is a slow cooker liner, mine didn't come with one and I would like to try this receipe, but I don't have a clue as to what it is, can you please let me know Crystal
riggsjl 6922623
Apr 28, 2011
I think this is a very good recipe. Yes, I am sure that homemade meatballs and sweet and sour sauce would enhance it greatly. When I have time, I do go to the trouble, but on days when I barely find time to sit down, this is way better than take out!! The only thing that I highly recommend changing is when to add the peppers and pineapple. Wait and add them only 30 min. - 1 hour before meatballs are done. Otherwise the peppers cook down to nothing. Also, I save a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice to mix with cornstarch to thicken the sauce up. Great recipe, I strongly recommend it.
debbieannk
Aug 18, 2010
I dont want to buy sweet and sour sauce. perhaps you could offer an optional homemade sauce recipe
Deb58
Jun 19, 2010
Would like to see nutritutional values on your recipes. thanks very much, Debbie Gibson
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