Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
We love these comforting sweet and sour meatballs because they’re the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with tender meatballs coated in a rich pineapple-infused sauce. Whether you're looking for an easy snack to satisfy cravings or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your holiday party, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, they’re just as irresistible served over rice for a cozy, complete meal!
Ingredients from the garden:
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
- 2-3 bell peppers, chopped
Ingredients from the store:
- ½ cup brown sugar, loosely packed
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2¼ cups pineapple juice, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 25 all-purpose meatballs (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup drained small pineapple chunks
- Rice, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and 2 cups of pineapple juice.
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Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the meatballs and chopped bell peppers (if using) into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the top.
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Cook the Meatballs:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the peppers are tender.
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Thicken the Sauce:
- About 20 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup pineapple juice until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
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Add Pineapple:
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and allow them to warm through in the sauce.
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Serve:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for added flavor and color.