Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Look no further! This collection of 18 mouth-watering sweet and sour meatball crock pot recipes is here to spice up your weeknight meals. From classic pairings with pineapple to bold flavors like honey garlic and tangy BBQ, these easy-to-make dishes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of sweet and sour meatballs, exploring a variety of flavor combinations that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and new, there’s a recipe on this list that’s sure to hit the spot.
Classic Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Pineapple
This iconic dish is a staple of American-Chinese cuisine, featuring tender meatballs smothered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, served with a pop of tropical freshness from pineapple chunks. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a separate pot, combine ketchup, vinegar, pineapple juice, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add meatballs to the sauce; simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until fully coated.
7. Serve hot with pineapple chunks on top.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Honey Garlic Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Savor the combination of sweet and savory flavors with these honey garlic meatballs, perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. This recipe is easy to make and packs a punch of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands or a spoon to shape into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat the sweet and sour sauce in a separate pan over medium-low heat.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Bell Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of sweet and sour sauce, tender meatballs, and crunchy bell peppers for a deliciously easy meal. Perfect for a busy day or a crowd-pleasing party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
– 2 bell peppers, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25) and place in the slow cooker.
4. Add diced tomatoes, sweet and sour sauce, and bell peppers to the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot with additional sweet and sour sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Asian-Inspired Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Discover the harmonious balance of sweet and sour flavors in these bite-sized meatballs, infused with Asian-inspired spices and a tangy sauce. Perfect for parties or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sweet and Sour Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with Sweet and Sour Sauce (recipe below).
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Tangy BBQ Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering meatballs that perfectly balance tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the meat mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Form into meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter).
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Teriyaki Glaze
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Teriyaki Glaze Recipe
This sweet and sour twist on classic meatballs combines the savory flavor of beef with the tangy zip of a teriyaki glaze, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a saucepan, combine teriyaki sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Serve meatballs with the warm teriyaki glaze spooned over top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this unique fusion of sweet and sour flavors paired with the heat of jalapeños and the freshness of pineapple. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs, followed by pineapple chunks and chopped jalapeños.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs
This recipe is a twist on traditional meatballs, using turkey instead of beef and a sweet and sour glaze to add depth of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup sweet and sour glaze (see below)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place meatballs in slow cooker.
5. Pour sweet and sour glaze over the top of the meatballs.
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Sweet and Sour Glaze:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Use as directed above.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Green Onions
This recipe combines the savory flavor of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of a sweet and sour sauce, all topped with a crunchy green onion garnish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat sweet and sour sauce according to package instructions.
6. Serve meatballs with warm sweet and sour sauce and garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this addictive recipe that combines the spicy kick of sriracha with the tanginess of sweet and sour flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, sriracha sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, mix sriracha sauce and honey in a small bowl to create the sweet and sour glaze.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with the sweet and sour glaze.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Ginger and Soy
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Ginger and Soy Recipe
This recipe combines the classic sweet and sour flavors of Chinese cooking with the savory taste of meatballs, adding a warm touch of ginger and soy. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use wet hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs over Rice
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This Crock Pot recipe is a twist on traditional meatballs, with the added sweetness of pineapple and a tangy kick from the sweet and sour sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. Preheat Crock Pot to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25). Place in the Crock Pot.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, water, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour over the meatballs.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. Serve meatballs over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: 3-6 hours
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Sesame Seeds
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Sesame Seeds Recipe
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and sour twist, featuring crunchy sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and toss in sweet and sour glaze.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatball Sliders
These tender meatballs smothered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce are the perfect mini burgers for any occasion. Serve on soft buns with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 12 slider buns
– Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Form into small meatballs (about 1-inch diameter).
4. Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour sweet and sour sauce over them.
5. Cook for 2-3 hours or until meatballs are cooked through.
6. Assemble sliders by placing meatballs on buns, then add your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Coconut Rice
A sweet and savory twist on the classic meatball recipe, these bite-sized treats are smothered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce and served atop fluffy coconut-infused rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup coconut rice (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, prepare coconut rice according to recipe below.
Coconut Rice Recipe:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Cook rice according to package instructions using coconut milk and vegetable oil instead of water. Season with salt to taste.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Mango Chutney
This recipe combines the classic sweet and sour flavors of meatballs with the exotic taste of mango chutney, creating a unique and delicious twist on a traditional dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
– 1/4 cup mango chutney
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, sweet and sour sauce, mango chutney, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little oil and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatball Stir-Fry
This recipe combines the comfort of slow-cooked meatballs with the vibrant flavors of a sweet and sour stir-fry, all in one convenient and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well.
3. Form into meatballs and place in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add sliced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
6. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Crispy Wontons
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Crispy Wontons Recipe
A classic Chinese-inspired dish gets a meatball twist! Tender meatballs coated in a sweet and sour glaze, served alongside crispy wontons that add a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 20-25 wonton wrappers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add wonton wrappers and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour over cooked meatballs and toss to coat.
8. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs with crispy wontons on the side.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these delicious sweet and sour meatball crock pot recipes! With 18 mouth-watering options, you’ll never run out of ideas. From classic combinations like pineapple and honey garlic to international twists like Asian-inspired and tangy BBQ, there’s something for everyone. Try slow cooker favorites like bell pepper and teriyaki glaze or go bold with spicy sriracha and sesame seeds. Perfect for busy weeknights, these recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor. Get cooking and enjoy a sweet and sour delight!