Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs

These Easy Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs are the ultimate stress-free dish for busy hosts and home cooks alike. Tender frozen meatballs are slowly simmered in a beautifully glossy, tangy, and fruity sauce made with either peach or apricot preserves. Whether you are prepping for a party or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with almost no effort.

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The secret to this dish is the slow cooking process, which allows the savory juices of the meatballs to mingle with the sweetness of the preserves and the tang of apple cider vinegar. The result is a perfectly balanced sauce that is thick enough to coat every meatball in a delicious, fruity embrace.

Ingredients

• Meatballs: 2 pounds (900 g) frozen fully cooked meatballs
• Sauce: 1 cup (320 g) peach or apricot preserves, 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15 g) brown sugar, 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
• Optional Garnishes: 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

Whisk the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peach or apricot preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.

Prepare the Crock Pot

Place the 2 pounds of frozen meatballs into the bowl of a 4–6 quart crock pot.

Coat the Meatballs

Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them to ensure every piece is coated evenly.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5–2 hours. The meatballs are ready when they are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Final Garnish

Stir gently before serving to redistribute the glaze. If desired, garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve

Serve warm as an appetizer using toothpicks, or serve as a main dish over a bed of rice.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a 4–6 quart slow cooker to ensure the meatballs are submerged enough in the sauce. When stirring at the end, do so gently to keep the tender meatballs intact. If you are serving these at a party, keep the crock pot on the 'Warm' setting to maintain the ideal temperature throughout the event.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly customizable. For a spicy kick, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can swap the peach preserves for orange preserves for a citrusy profile. For a leaner version, feel free to use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of traditional beef or pork blends.

Serviervorschläge

As an appetizer, these meatballs are best served straight from the slow cooker with a side of toothpicks for easy grabbing. To turn this into a full meal, serve the glazed meatballs over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. A side of stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli balances the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.

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With approximately 370 calories and 18g of protein per serving, these Easy Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs are as satisfying as they are simple. This recipe yields 6 servings, making it a reliable go-to for your next gathering or family dinner night.

Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs. Brown them in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they hold their shape. Adjust cooking time to 2-3 hours on LOW to prevent them from becoming too soft.

→ What other fruit preserves work well in this sauce?

Apricot, peach, orange marmalade, or even pineapple preserves all create delicious variations. Each brings a slightly different fruity note while maintaining the classic sweet and tangy profile.

→ How do I make this spicy?

Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Start with a small amount and taste before adding more, as the heat intensifies during slow cooking.

→ Can I cook this on HIGH heat?

Cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours instead of LOW for 3-4 hours. Check after 90 minutes to ensure the sauce doesn't reduce too much or become overly thick.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

→ What sides pair well with these meatballs?

Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal. They also complement roasted vegetables, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. For parties, offer alongside other finger foods and dips.