Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs combine frozen meatballs with a sweet and tangy sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, liquid smoke, and crushed pineapple. It’s an easy slow cooker recipe packed with bold, delicious flavor.
These Sweet & Sour Meatballs are one of those lifesaver recipes that comes together with almost no effort but still tastes like you spent all day on dinner. The smoky-sweet pineapple sauce gives them so much more flavor than the usual versions, and using frozen meatballs makes them perfect for busy weeknights and hectic after-school evenings. Whether you serve them over rice or set them out for a party appetizer, they always disappear fast!
Recipe Highlights
- Easy Slow Cooker Dinner – Just toss frozen meatballs and the simple homemade sauce into the crockpot for a hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
- Sweet, Smoky & Tangy Flavor – The combination of brown sugar, pineapple, chili powder, and liquid smoke gives these meatballs a bold flavor that stands out from typical sweet and sour recipes.
- Works for Dinner or Parties – Serve them over rice for an easy family meal or keep them warm in the slow cooker for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone grabs seconds of.
Ingredients in Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ketchup – Adds rich tomato flavor and helps create the thick, tangy base for the sauce.
Tomato Sauce – Gives the sauce a smooth texture and boosts the savory tomato flavor.
Brown Sugar – Balances the tanginess with a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Chili Powder – Gives the dish warm, smoky flavor and a mild kick that enhances the sauce.
Liquid Smoke – Brings a subtle smoky flavor that makes the sauce taste slow-cooked and extra savory.
Crushed Pineapple – Adds natural sweetness and juicy texture while creating the classic flavor.
Frozen Meatballs – Make the recipe quick and easy while soaking up all the delicious sauce as they cook.
How long are Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs good for?
These Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
They also freeze very well—just let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2–3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, in the microwave, or back in the slow cooker until warmed through.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 TBSP chili powder
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple (don’t drain)
- 32 oz package frozen meatballs
Instructions
- Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, liquid smoke, and crushed pineapple (with the juice) to the slow cooker and stir until combined. Add the frozen meatballs and toss to coat in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, then serve warm over rice or as an appetizer.
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! Fully cooked homemade meatballs work great in this recipe—just add them to the slow cooker the same way you would frozen meatballs.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors get even better as they sit, making them perfect for meal prep or parties.
Are these meatballs spicy?
Not really—the chili powder adds flavor more than heat, but you can reduce the amount if you prefer a milder sauce.
Can I cook them on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook them on high for about 2–3 hours if you need them ready faster.
How to make perfect rice in your Instant Pot
My favorite way to make rice these days is in the Instant Pot. Really fast and simple and the rice comes out perfectly every time. I know there is a rice button on the Instant Pot, but I’ve found a better way.
Add the rice in a 1:1 ratio with water or chicken broth. Close and seal the Instant Pot and set to Manual High for 5 minutes. Let the rice cook and then just leave everything sealed until the pressure releases naturally – don’t do a quick release!
Enjoy more of our Easy Dinner Recipes here:
- Ritz Cracker Meatloaf takes classic meatloaf to the next level with a tender, juicy texture and plenty of cheesy, comforting flavor in every bite.
- This Dutch Oven Cube Steak & Gravy is pure comfort food with fork-tender steak covered in rich, savory gravy that tastes like it simmered all day.
- Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Roast is a true set-it-and-forget-it dinner with melt-in-your-mouth beef and a sweet-savory flavor that gets even better as it cooks.
- There’s something about a slow-cooked dinner that makes the whole house feel cozy before you even sit down to eat. These comforting meals are packed with rich flavors, simple ingredients, and the kind of easy prep that makes busy days so much easier.
- Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup transforms a simple ham bone, beans, and vegetables into a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are made with frozen meatballs and a simple homemade sweet and sour sauce that comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. Whether served as a party appetizer or an easy main dish, they’re a sweet, tangy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Patricia karcher says
Oh my gosh! So easy to make! My husband said they were as good as the ones I had made before (they took a very long time to make) so these will see the table more often! One question… Can the meat ball & sauce be frozen? And if they can..for how long?? (Sweet and sour ball balls in a slow cooker).