Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Hey there, friend! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs. This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cozy family dinners and the delightful aroma that fills the house while it simmers away.
Now, let me tell you why you’ll love this Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe. I make this when I want a hearty and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. My family goes crazy for this dish because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors, and the tender meatballs just melt in your mouth.
When it comes to the ingredients, feel free to get creative! I sometimes use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option, or swap pineapple juice for apple juice for a slightly different twist. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own!
Now, onto the directions. Start by mixing the ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and a blend of spices. Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and brown them in a skillet before transferring to the slow cooker. Pour over the homemade sweet and sour sauce, set the timer, and let the magic happen!
Why Slow Cooking is the Way to Go
Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while tenderizing the meatballs to perfection. This is where I usually sneak a taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage – trust me, it will transform into a delicious dish!
As for variations, I’ve experimented with adding diced bell peppers or even a splash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick. One time, I tried using pre-made frozen meatballs, and let’s just say it wasn’t the same – homemade is definitely the way to go!
If you don’t have a slow cooker, fear not! This recipe can also be made on the stovetop, although the low and slow method truly enhances the flavors. Storage-wise, although it can last for a few days in the fridge, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
When serving these delectable meatballs, I love pairing them with fluffy white rice and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness. The leftovers, if any, taste even better the next day as the flavors intensify.
Pro Tips and Final Thoughts
Pro tip: Don’t rush the browning step; it adds a depth of flavor that is truly worth the extra few minutes. I once tried skipping this step, and the meatballs lacked that caramelized richness – lesson learned!
So, if you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the way to go. Grab your ingredients, set that slow cooker, and get ready to be greeted by a house filled with mouth-watering aromas!
Enjoy this delightful recipe, and remember, cooking is all about having fun and making memories in the kitchen. Happy cooking, my friend!
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
A hearty and flavorful dish made with tender meatballs simmered in a homemade sweet and sour sauce, striking the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup ketchup
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1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1/2 cup pineapple juice
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon water
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Cooking spray
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into bite-sized meatballs.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer them to a slow cooker.
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In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice to create the sweet and sour sauce. Pour over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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In a small bowl, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add the slurry to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce in the final hour of cooking.
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Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
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Enjoy the delightful flavors of the slow cooker sweet and sour meatballs!
