Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delightful blend of tangy sauce, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables. This easy slow cooker recipe lets you enjoy a classic takeout favorite with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 26 oz. frozen homestyle meatballs
- 20 oz. can pineapple chunks (drained)
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts (drained)
- 14.5 oz. can baby corn (drained)
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), cut into one-inch pieces
- 1 white onion, cut into one-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 14.5 oz. bottle sweet and sour sauce (such as Sunluck Brand or Contadina)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, onion, water chestnuts, and baby corn on top of the meatballs.
- Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and sprinkle red pepper flakes evenly over the ingredients.
- Step 4: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over everything. Stir gently to coat the meatballs and vegetables evenly.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to mix flavors well.
- Step 6: Serve hot with steamed rice or chow mein noodles and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Tips & Variations
- For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce before cooking.
- Swap out water chestnuts for sliced mushrooms for a different texture.
- Add fresh ginger with the garlic for more aromatic flavor.
- Use fresh meatballs if you prefer, but reduce cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs and sauce in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the vegetables are tender, about 20–25 minutes.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
This dish pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or chow mein noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
PrintSweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe features tender homestyle meatballs slow-cooked with a colorful mix of vegetables and pineapple chunks, all coated in a tangy and flavorful sweet and sour sauce. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for a family meal, served best over rice or chow mein noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (High) or 5 hours (Low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (High) or 5 hours 10 minutes (Low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 26 oz. frozen homestyle meatballs
Vegetables and Fruits
- 20 oz. can pineapple chunks (drained)
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts (drained)
- 14.5 oz. can baby corn (drained)
- 2 bell peppers (one red and one green, cut into one-inch pieces)
- 1 white onion (cut into one-inch pieces)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 14.5 oz. bottle sweet and sour sauce (Sunluck Brand recommended or Contadina Sweet and Sour Sauce as alternative)
Instructions
- Add meatballs: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs into the slow cooker evenly.
- Add pineapple and vegetables: Add the drained pineapple chunks, sliced water chestnuts, baby corn, bell peppers, and white onion pieces on top of the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Sprinkle the minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes over the ingredients.
- Add sauce and stir: Pour the sweet and sour sauce all over the meatballs and vegetables, then gently stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours within the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to mix flavors.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot, ideally over steamed rice or chow mein noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
- Ensure vegetables like bell peppers and onion are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Can be prepared the night before and reheated for convenience.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your slow cooker model for best results.
- Pair with jasmine rice or egg noodles to complement the sweet and sour flavors.
Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, easy dinner recipe, homestyle meatballs, pineapple meatballs, slow cooker sweet and sour
