Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

EASY · DELICIOUS · BEAUTIFUL

I don’t know what to say about these sweet and sour meatballs. I keep writing and deleting line after line because no words can rightfully describe how delicious these are. They are so good that I am speechless! All I want to do is stand over the Crockpot and eat them one by one. I wish I could describe in unforgettable words what happens when one of these beauties hits your mouth…but I can’t. All I know is that they make me pause and thank God for tastebuds! So basically you are just going to have to make them for yourself and see what I’m talking about! 

sweet and sour meatballs

Grab your Crockpot and a big bag of frozen meatballs. Pour in the meatballs and turn the slow cooker to low.

sweet and sour sauce

Get to work on an irresistible sweet and sour sauce. You will need 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of vinegar, and 2/3 cup of water. Once you have that mixed, add in 1/4 cup of reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients until they are nice and creamy.

sweet and sour meatballs

Thoroughly coat the meatballs when pouring in the sauce. Set the slow cooker on low for 4 hours or on high for 2. It is also handy to occasionally stir the meatballs to ensure that they stay submerged in the sauce. However, if you are leaving the house, it’s no sweat. They will taste just as grand!

I like to top my meatballs with a few green onions or a little bit of parsley and serve them in a large dish. These will also make a wonderful appetizer for a dinner party or shower. Leave a cup of toothpicks next to them and they’ll be gone in a flash! In fact, if you are going to serve them at a party, just leave them in the Crockpot on warm and you won’t have to worry about a thing!

sweet and sour meatballs

On a simple weeknight at home, I serve the meatballs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Fluffy Yeast Rolls. I also think my Apple Blue Cheese Salad or Cranberry and Candied Pecan Salad both compliment the meat nicely. Meatballs also taste great stuffed inside of Hawaiian rolls. No matter how you serve them, you’re going to be a hero for creating such a scrumptious meal! Happy cooking y’all!

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Heidi Davison
These meatballs are so good they will make you speechless! This is a great recipe for a simple weeknight meal or an irresistible party appetizer.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Appetizer/Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 8 -10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bag frozen meatballs family size
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Optional: parsley for topping

Instructions
 

  • Pour the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and set on low.
  • Whisk together all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour sauce over meatballs and mix well.
  • Cook in slow cooker for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low, stir occasionally.
  • Serve warm sprinkled with parsley.

 

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  • Haven’t tried the recipe yet, but does it have to be “Italian style” meatballs?

  • “Whisk together until smooth and creamy”
    To me this would indicate that the liquid would thicken somewhat. I whisked until my arm was sore and it did not get “creamy” at all. Just frothy and still very liqued-y. Followed all measurements as written.
    Was this step supposed to be on the stove top? I did not see anything to indicate it had to be.
    Clarification please for a novice cook?

  • Nancy Lane says:

    How many ounces or lbs. was the bag of meatballs you used for this? I have several 14 ounces bags of meatballs and don’t know how bags to use.

    • I used a 48 oz bag of meatballs, the family size. I would use 3 of your 14 ounce bags and you’ll be fine.

      • Nancy Lane says:

        Thank you very much for answering my question

      • Nancy Lane says:

        I plan on doubling the recipe. Any pointers on this?

        • Doubling should be just fine as long as you have enough space in your Crockpot.

  • Clarissa Schmitz says:

    5 stars
    Another fantastic recipe! I made these for Thanksgiving yesterday and they were such a hit that there were none left! I’m making them again tonight because everyone loved them so (even my husband who is not a meatball fan). I had too add one extra tablespoon of corn starch to get the sauce quite as thick as I wanted but figured that may have been due to the added moisture from the frozen meatballs.

    • Thanks for being willing to test this recipe on Thanksgiving day! I’m glad they were such a hit.

  • Elizabeth says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Quick and easy. Will definitely be making this deliciousness again!

    • Great, I’m so glad you liked it!

  • 5 stars
    To say I have picky eaters in my family would be a HUGE understatement. Even my husbands tastes have changed recently. I made these meatballs for the first time two weeks and all the picky eaters LOVED them and are asking for them to be a part of our weekly menu. Score for me!! The recipe was delicious and very easy to follow. In case I didn’t mention it – I am not Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart.

    • Kim, I’m so glad you could find a dish that makes everyone happy! Sometimes I serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, inside a Hawaiian roll, or other times over rice. I can make the same meatballs and just present them in a different way and my family doesn’t get bored. Blessings to you!

  • 5 stars
    I made these today after seeing them posted on Instagram a few days ago. They are addictive! So easy and really tasty–will definitely be making his again. I’ve made other sweet & sour meatball recipes (a simple one with just chili sauce & cranberry sauce,, and a more complicated one from a Food Network star) and this one beat them all. Thanks, Heidi!

    • Lisa, I am so glad to hear this! I agree, these meatballs are totally addicting!

  • The color of your dish looks so amazing. Can i use 1/2 cup honey instead of 3/4 cup sugar for this recipe? I think that they can used interchangeably.

    • I have not personally tried honey in this dish. I say go for it! If it is too sweet, balance it with more vinegar. Let me know how it worked out!

      • I would like to try these meatballs for Book Club night. What type of vinegar do you use?

  • Michelle Willis says:

    My kids LOVED these meatballs! We served them over rice with a side of edamame.

    • I’m so glad you like them! I like your idea over rice with edamame; I’m going to have to try that!

  • Love these meatballs! We used some homemade meatballs that we had frozen and made recipe exactly as written. We did not need the dipping sauce. So good!

    • I’m so glad you liked them Linda!

    • Hi what if they are homemade meatballs?
      Do I have to freeze them first? Should they be cooked?

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