Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Why Make This Recipe

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a fantastic dish that brings a perfect balance of flavors to your table. The combination of savory meatballs and tangy sweet and sour sauce makes it a favorite for both kids and adults. It’s simple to prepare and can be a great dish for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, cooking in a Crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making mealtime a breeze.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, green bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
3. In a Crockpot, place the meatballs in an even layer. Add pineapple chunks on top.
4. Pour sweet and sour sauce evenly over the meatballs.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are perfect served over a bed of rice or with some crusty bread. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, letting guests enjoy them as finger food. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!

How to Store Sweet and Sour Meatballs

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or ginger to the meat mixture.
• If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes to the sweet and sour sauce.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of these meatballs.

Variation

You can customize Sweet and Sour Meatballs by adding different vegetables like carrots or peas. They can also be made with different types of meat, such as turkey or chicken, based on what you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) if using ground beef or pork.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before adding the sauce in the Crockpot.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A delicious balance of savory meatballs and tangy sweet and sour sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatball Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup sweet and sour sauce

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, green bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.

Cooking

1. In a Crockpot, place the meatballs in an even layer. Add pineapple chunks on top.
2. Pour sweet and sour sauce evenly over the meatballs.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Serving

1. Serve warm over a bed of rice or with crusty bread. Can also be served as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the meat mixture. Add chili flakes for a bit of heat. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.