Sweet And Sour Meatballs

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

These crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are sticky, saucy, and packed with that classic sweet-and-savory flavor everyone loves. The homemade sauce thickens right in the slow cooker, perfectly coating every bite of these tender, juicy meatballs.

Meatballs, bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce are being stirred with a wooden spoon inside a slow cooker.

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

I love a good shortcut dinner and these Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are always a win at my table. The sauce is made from scratch but couldn’t be easier, and it thickens as they simmer with zero babysitting. Between the juicy meatballs, caramelized veggies, and sweet pineapple chunks, the flavor is sweet, savory and totally irresistible.

I usually serve them over rice with a simple side salad for an easy weeknight meal. But they’re just as tasty on their own as an appetizer or snack. I really love how they hold up on the warm setting, making them a go-to for parties or game day.

For other meatballs recipes everyone will love, be sure to try my Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs and Bacon Wrapped Meatballs.

A bowl of sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and green onions, placed on a white surface.

Why We Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: Toss the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker and let it do most of the work for you.
Always a crowd hit: Whether it’s for dinner or a party appetizer, these meatballs are always a favorite.
Sweet and savory combo: The brown sugar, vinegar, and pineapple juice give them classic sweet and sour flavors.

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs: The ultimate kitchen shortcut for tender juicy meatballs.
Pineapple chunks: Adds that perfect sweet and tangy bite. Save the juice for the sauce.
Bell peppers: A mix of red and green gives nice color and crunch.
Onion: Cut into chunks so it softens but doesn’t disappear.
Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Adds a little extra sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds that bold tang that makes this sweet and sour.
Ketchup: Gives the sauce a smooth base and a little zip.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory Asian kick of flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
Green onions: For a fresh pop of color at the end.

How To Make Slow Cooker Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Step 1. Add the frozen meatballs to your crockpot or slow cooker.

Step 2. Drain the canned pineapple chunks and set the juice aside for later. Add the pineapple, bell peppers and onions to the meatballs.

A black slow cooker filled with frozen meatballs, viewed from above on a light-colored surface.

A slow cooker filled with chopped onions, green and red bell peppers, and pineapple chunks, viewed from above on a light surface.

Step 3. Combine the reserved pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 4. Pour your homemade sweet and sour sauce into the crockpot.

A clear glass bowl filled with a reddish-brown liquid sauce or dressing, placed on a light, textured surface.

A slow cooker filled with meatballs, diced pineapple, red bell peppers, and sauce on a light background.

Step 5. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 3 to 5 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are hot all the way through. Give everything a stir about halfway through to keep it cooking evenly. Serve and enjoy!

Storage Instructions

Fridge: If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the microwave or slow cooker.

A slow cooker filled with meatballs, pineapple chunks, red bell peppers, and sauce, surrounded by a pineapple, green onions, plates, and utensils.

Variations And Add-ins

Feel free to stick to the recipe or switch it up with some of these delicious variations.

Meatballs: I made this recipe with frozen homestyle meatballs but you can use turkey meatballs, or chicken meatballs. Just avoid anything with strong added seasonings like Italian meatballs.
Pineapple: Add pineapple tidbits instead of chunks if you want smaller bites of fruit throughout.
Heat: Mix in a few red pepper flakes if you want your sweet and sour sauce to have a little more kick.
Soy sauce: Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce or reduced-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching the salt.
Veggies: Stir in sliced carrots or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra color and crunch.
Sweetener: Substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if that’s what you’ve got on hand.

A white bowl filled with sweet and sour meatballs, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and garnished with sliced green onions.

Tips And Tricks

This recipe couldn’t be easier, but a few simple tips will help you get perfect results every time.

Store-bought frozen meatballs go straight into the crockpot, no need to thaw. This keeps prep fast and means less cleanup.
Cut the veggies into even chunks. Aim for about 1-inch pieces so they soften but still keep some bite after hours in the slow cooker.
Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps once the sauce starts to thicken.
Stir halfway through cooking. This helps keep the tangy sauce evenly distributed and prevents any sticking on the bottom.
Craving a thicker sauce? Remove the lid during the last 20 minutes and bump the heat to high. Stir occasionally while it reduces.

A fork holds a glazed meatball above a bowl filled with meatballs, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers, with a slow cooker and a pineapple in the background.

FAQS

How should I serve these?

These meatballs are super versatile. They’re delicious served with a toothpick as a party appetizer. You can also serve them over rice, mashed potatoes or stuff them into slider buns for something different. If you’re looking for a lighter option, they’re great in lettuce wraps. Love noodles? Serve them in a bowl with stir-fried veggies and noodles.

Can I double this easy recipe for a crowd?

Yes, but you’ll need a large slow cooker that is at least 7 quarts or more. Stir halfway through and expect it to take a bit longer to heat all the way through.

Will this work with homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re fully cooked or at least browned before adding to the slow cooker, especially if you’re short on time. Raw meatballs may fall apart during the long cook.

How do I keep the meatballs warm during a party?

Set your crockpot to the warm setting and keep the lid on until ready to serve. If they will be out for a few hours, stir occasionally to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

A plate of white rice topped with meatballs, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers in a sauce, with a fork and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Let’s be friends!

Did you love this post? Make sure to comment below and let me know your thoughts! And don’t forget to follow on your favorite social network below!

Lisa, author of Fun Money Mom, standing in front of a kitchen counter with a cupcake.

About Lisa O’Driscoll

Lisa O’Driscoll is a lifestyle and parenting expert, cookbook author, and the creative force behind Fun Money Mom, a popular blog she’s Lisa O’Driscoll is a lifestyle and parenting expert, cookbook author, and the creative force behind Fun Money Mom, a popular blog she’s run since 2014. She’s the author of the children’s cookbook Roll It, Slice It, Mash It, Dice It, designed to get kids excited about cooking. With multiple TV appearances under her belt, she loves sharing her expertise on family-friendly recipes, creative DIYs, and party planning and is always on a mission to inspire and entertain!

Meet Lisa