Save Tender frozen meatballs simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce made with peach or apricot preserves—these Easy Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs are an effortless and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. With only five minutes of preparation, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal that slowly simmers to perfection.
Save The secret to these meatballs is the slow-cooking process, which allows the sauce to thicken into a glossy glaze while the meatballs become incredibly tender. Whether you use peach or apricot preserves, the fruit base provides a unique depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs.
Ingredients
- Meatballs: 2 lbs (900 g) frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 cup (320 g) peach or apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place the frozen meatballs into the bowl of a slow cooker (crock pot).
- Step 2
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peach or apricot preserves, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Step 3
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly.
- Step 4
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Stir once or twice during cooking, if possible.
- Step 5
- Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over rice as a main dish.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a 4–6 quart slow cooker. Whisking the sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the meatballs ensures a smooth, consistent glaze. If you are around while it cooks, stirring once or twice helps keep the meatballs moist and evenly coated.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute grape jelly for the preserves for a different flavor profile, or add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks for extra texture. For those with dietary restrictions, use gluten-free meatballs and a gluten-free soy sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these meatballs hot as a party snack using toothpicks for easy serving. Alternatively, turn them into a full meal by serving them over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or alongside your favorite vegetables to soak up the extra sweet and sour sauce.
Save With its perfect balance of tang and sweetness, this dish is sure to become a staple for your gatherings and busy weeknights. Simple, reliable, and delicious, these crock pot meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Since they're already cooked, follow the same timing. If using raw homemade meatballs, increase cooking time to 4-5 hours on low to ensure they're fully cooked through.
- → What can I substitute for peach preserves?
Apricot preserves, grape jelly, or even orange marmalade make excellent substitutes. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining that signature sweet-tangy balance.
- → Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely. Combine the sauce ingredients in a large skillet, bring to a simmer, add the meatballs, and cook covered over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and glazed.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from being too sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add an extra tablespoon of vinegar. The Dijon mustard also helps balance sweetness with tanginess, so don't skip it if you prefer a more savory profile.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. On serving day, simply combine with frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
Serve over jasmine or white rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a main dish. As an appetizer, provide toothpicks and serve alongside vegetables, crackers, or on slider buns.