Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe; Easy Slow Cooker

sweet and sour meatballs recipe in a curved dish with toothpicks in some meatballs

Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe; Easy Slow Cooker

These sweet and sour meatballs are a mouth-watering combination of tender meatballs, juicy pineapple chunks, and colorful bell peppers, all simmered in a delicious blend of sweet BBQ and teriyaki sauce. Preparing them is a breeze; it only requires 10 minutes of prep time, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest. You can serve these delicious Hawaiian meatballs as a main dish over rice or as a simple appetizer at your next party.

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Servings

Calories 130

Author Gina Dickson

Equipment

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds frozen meatballs approximately 30 meatballs
1 yellow bell pepper seeded, cored, and cut into square bite-size pieces
1 red bell pepper seeded, cored, and cut into square bite-size pieces
1 onion small sweet onion, cut into square bite-size pieces
20 ounce pineapple 20 ounces can pineapple chunks in juice
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Slice the bell peppers into even, square bite-size pieces. Peel the onion and cut it into bite-size squares.
1 yellow bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 1 onion
Drain the pineapple juice into a jar or small container with a tight-fitting lid. Place it in the refrigerator for later use.
20 ounce pineapple
In a large bowl, combine the bell peppers, onion, pineapple chunks, teriyaki sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce, 1 cup BBQ sauce
Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
1 1/2 pounds frozen meatballs
Pour the mixed vegetables, fruit, and sauce over the meatballs. Stir well to coat the meatballs.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set the cooking temperature on high. Cook for 4 hours.
Thirty minutes before the cooking time is complete, mix 2/3 cup of reserved pineapple juice with the cornstarch in a jar. Srew on a tight-fitting lid. Shake well to form a smooth slurry.
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pour the slurry mixture over the sweet and sour meatballs. Stir the sauce with a large spoon to incorporate the cornstarch slurry.
Place the lid back on the slow cooker and continue to cook on high for 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken during this time.

Notes

Variation Ideas

Spice It Up: Want to add a little kick to your sweet and sour meatballs? During the last step of thickening the sauce, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped Cowboy Candy (Pickled Jalapenos) or a dash of Sriracha sauce for that extra heat.

Veggies: Take your meatballs to the next level by adding some extra veggies. Consider throwing in some mushrooms, broccoli florets, or sliced carrots.

Sauce: Planning to serve these meatballs for dinner? Double up on the BBQ and teriyaki sauce! This way, you'll have plenty of that delicious sauce to drizzle over a bed of fluffy rice. It's the perfect way to make your meal even more flavorful and satisfying.

Nutrition