Easy Sweet Sour Crock Pot Meatballs

The house was already full of chatter when my sister walked in with her famous slow cooker meatballs. I had been stressing about party food for hours, but she just set the crock pot on the counter and said dinner was handled. Within minutes, people were hovering around it, dipping meatball after meatball onto their plates.

Ive served these at Super Bowl gatherings, holiday open houses, and casual Tuesday night dinners. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe. My neighbor now keeps a bag of frozen meatballs in her freezer just so she can throw these together at a moments notice.

Ingredients

• Frozen fully cooked meatballs: Use any brand you like but I find the 2 pound bag is perfect for a standard slow cooker
• Peach or apricot preserves: This is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its signature fruity sweetness and glossy finish
• Ketchup: Adds body and that familiar tang everyone loves in a barbecue style sauce
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness and balances the preserves perfectly
• Soy sauce: Provides umami depth and a beautiful rich color to the sauce
• Light brown sugar: Helps the sauce caramelize slightly and adds caramel notes
• Dijon mustard: Optional but I highly recommend it for that extra layer of sharpness
• Garlic powder and ground ginger: These two spices are the dynamic duo that makes the sauce taste homemade
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth without making it spicy

Instructions

Dump the meatballs:

Place the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker no thawing needed

Mix the sauce:

Whisk together the preserves ketchup vinegar soy sauce brown sugar mustard garlic powder ginger and red pepper flakes in a bowl until smooth

Combine everything:

Pour that gorgeous sauce over the meatballs and give it a gentle stir so every single meatball gets coated

Let it cook:

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are heated through

Serve them up:

Set out toothpicks for party mode or spoon over fluffy steamed rice for dinner

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These meatballs have become my go to when life gets busy but I still want to put something homemade on the table. The sauce works double duty as a glaze so I often pour extra over rice or roasted vegetables on the side.

Make It Your Own

Grape jelly creates a classic old school flavor that takes me back to my grandmothers kitchen. Pineapple chunks add sweetness and a burst of tropical brightness while bell peppers bring a fresh crunch that cuts through the rich sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Keep toothpicks nearby for easy party snacking or serve as a main over steamed jasmine rice. The sauce is perfect for dipping crusty bread or egg rolls on the side.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or back in the slow cooker on warm. The sauce actually gets better after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to meld together.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

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Sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones people remember most. These sweet and sour meatballs have saved me more times than I can count.

Recipe Q&A

→ What kind of preserves can I use?

This dish works wonderfully with either peach or apricot preserves, providing a sweet and fruity base for the sauce. You can also experiment with other fruit jams like grape jelly for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. If they are uncooked, you might want to brown them lightly in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they hold their shape and cook through properly. Adjust cooking time as needed.

→ How can I make the sauce spicier or tangier?

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a tangier flavor, consider adding an extra splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, or a bit more Dijon mustard.

→ What are some serving suggestions for these meatballs?

These versatile meatballs are excellent as an appetizer, served with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a complete meal, serve them over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes. They also make a great addition to a potluck or party spread.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead option. Once cooked, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

→ Are there any substitutions for dietary needs?

To make this gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free frozen meatballs and a tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. You can also look for preservative brands that don't contain high-fructose corn syrup if preferred. Always check ingredient labels for specific dietary concerns.