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Homemade Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

This slow cooker Homemade Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing dish combining tender frozen meatballs with pineapple, crunchy vegetables, and tangy sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, it cooks slowly to meld vibrant flavors into a deliciously saucy entree.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs and Protein

  • 26 oz. frozen homestyle meatballs

Fruits and Vegetables

  • 20 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained
  • 14.5 oz. can baby corn, drained
  • 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green), cut into one-inch pieces
  • 1 white onion, cut into one-inch pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Sauces

  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 14.5 oz. bottle sweet and sour sauce (such as Sunluck Brand or Contadina Sweet and Sour Sauce)

Instructions

  1. Add Meatballs: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs directly into the slow cooker base, forming the protein foundation for the dish.
  2. Add Pineapple and Vegetables: Pour in the drained pineapple chunks, sliced water chestnuts, baby corn, bell peppers, and white onion pieces evenly over the meatballs for a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
  3. Add Aromatics and Spices: Sprinkle the minced garlic and red pepper flakes over the ingredients to infuse a subtle kick and fragrance.
  4. Add Sweet and Sour Sauce: Pour the entire bottle of sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and vegetables, then gently stir to coat everything evenly without breaking the meatballs.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to distribute the sauce and ensure even cooking.
  6. Serve: Once fully cooked, serve hot with steamed rice, chow mein noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed throughout.
  • For a homemade sweet and sour sauce alternative, mix 1 1/2 cups apricot preserves or grape jelly with 1 tablespoon soy sauce for a simple, dye-free option.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli florets, asparagus pieces, snow peas, or cabbage squares to customize the dish.
  • This recipe can double as a party appetizer by serving the meatballs with sliced veggies and toothpicks for easy grabbing.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American-Chinese

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/homemade-sweet-and-sour-meatballs-recipe/