Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs

These Easy Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or hosting a crowd. By combining tender frozen meatballs with a tangy, fruity sauce made from peach or apricot preserves, you create a dish that feels sophisticated yet requires only 5 minutes of active preparation. Whether you are looking for a savory party appetizer or a satisfying main course, this slow cooker recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

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The magic happens as the meatballs simmer in the slow cooker, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors of the ginger, garlic, and fruit preserves. The sauce thickens into a beautiful, glossy glaze that coats every single meatball, making them irresistible. It is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes like you spent hours over the stove.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Mix 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot

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

Step 3: Combine

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

Step 4: 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 bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish

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

Step 6: 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 crock pot to ensure the sauce and meatballs are perfectly proportioned. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens like soy or wheat, especially in the meatballs and soy sauce. Using a whisk for the sauce ensures the preserves are fully integrated with the spices for a smooth texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste. For a spicier version, add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a different fruity note, substitute the peach preserves with orange preserves. For a lighter meal, turkey or chicken meatballs work just as well as beef or pork versions.

Serviervorschläge

If serving as a party appetizer, keep the slow cooker on the "warm" setting and provide toothpicks for easy snacking. For a weeknight dinner, these meatballs are fantastic served over jasmine rice or quinoa, with a side of steamed broccoli to soak up the extra sweet and sour sauce.

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With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. The combination of fruit preserves and classic pantry staples creates a unique glaze that turns simple frozen meatballs into a standout dish. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking and the delicious results of this foolproof recipe!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh or homemade meatballs work perfectly. Reduce cooking time slightly and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ What can I substitute for peach preserves?

Apricot, orange, or pineapple preserves all create delicious variations. Each brings a unique fruity sweetness to the sauce.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free meatballs and substitute tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for regular soy sauce. Check all labels carefully.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Mix the sauce and meatballs the night before, refrigerate, then transfer to the crock pot in the morning for effortless cooking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

→ Can I double this for a crowd?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger 6-8 quart slow cooker. Cooking time remains the same, just stir occasionally for even heating.