Are you looking for a new twist on classic meatball recipes? Look no further! Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious and flavorful variation that combines the richness of meatballs with the tanginess of sweet and sour flavors. In this article, we’ll explore 18 different sweet and sour meatballs crock pot recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
From classic combinations like pineapple and bell peppers to more adventurous flavor profiles like sriracha and hoisin sauce, we’ve got a recipe for every meatball lover out there. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and tangy or bold and spicy, these slow-cooked meatballs are sure to hit the spot.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of our 18 recipes, highlighting the key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for making each dish a success. So grab your crock pot and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious sweet and sour meatballs!
Classic Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Pineapple
This iconic dish is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With its tender meatballs, crunchy pineapple, and savory sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
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 the sweet and sour sauce in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add pineapple chunks to the sauce and stir to combine.
7. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet and toss with the sauce until coated.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional pineapple if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Garlic Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and sour take, infused with the savory sweetness of honey and pungency of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 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, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands 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 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, whisk together honey and sweet and sour sauce in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with the honey-garlic glaze.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Spicy Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Sriracha
Elevate your meatball game with this addictive recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. These bite-sized treats are sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– 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, milk, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Asian-Inspired Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Elevate your party appetizers with these bite-sized meatballs infused with the flavors of Asia. A sweet and sour glaze adds a tangy twist to the savory beef mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
– Sweet and Sour Glaze ingredients:
+ 1 cup pineapple juice
+ 1/2 cup ketchup
+ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
+ 1 tablespoon soy sauce
+ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and egg. Mix well with hands or wooden spoon until just combined.
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 meatballs are baking, prepare the Sweet and Sour Glaze by whisking together pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and toss with Sweet and Sour Glaze.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour BBQ Meatballs
A twist on classic meatballs, this recipe combines the sweetness of honey and brown sugar with the tanginess of ketchup and vinegar for a unique flavor profile. Perfect for parties or game-day gatherings, these sweet and sour BBQ meatballs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, 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 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and toss with sweet and sour BBQ sauce. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Add a tropical twist to traditional meatballs with this unique recipe that combines the flavors of pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and sweet and sour notes. Perfect for a party or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp 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, cheddar cheese, pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
3. Use your hands or a spoon to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Bell Peppers
This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that will leave you craving for more. It’s a great option for a stress-free dinner or a party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25).
4. Place chopped onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the meatballs on top.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together sweet and sour sauce and 1/4 cup water. Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
6. Add sliced bell peppers on top.
7. Cook for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce Recipe
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with this unique meatball recipe. Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs, coated in a grape jelly sauce that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup grape jelly
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, 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. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. In a large saucepan, combine grape jelly, ketchup, brown sugar, and garlic. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Add meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Apple Cider Vinegar
Elevate your meatball game with this unique blend of tangy and sweet flavors, featuring apple cider vinegar as the star of the show.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture 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 and lightly browned.
5. While meatballs are baking, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and toss with the tangy sweet and sour glaze. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Apricot Glaze
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and tangy twist featuring a sticky apricot glaze. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 1 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vinegar (such as apple cider or balsamic)
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine apricot preserves, ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Add the baked meatballs to the glaze and toss to coat. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve warm with toothpicks or as part of a larger dish.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Orange Marmalade
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Orange Marmalade: A Twist on a Classic Recipe!
These bite-sized meatballs combine the sweetness of orange marmalade with the tanginess of a sweet and sour sauce, creating a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with hands until just combined.
3. Form into small 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, combine orange marmalade and sweet and sour sauce in a large bowl.
6. Once the meatballs are done, remove from oven and add to the sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Soy Sauce and Ginger
A twist on the classic sweet and sour sauce, this recipe combines the savory flavors of soy sauce and ginger to create a bold and tangy meatball dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with sweet and sour sauce.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Brown Sugar Glaze
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Brown Sugar Glaze: A Twist on a Classic Recipe
These sweet and sour meatballs are a perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors, topped off with a rich brown sugar glaze. This unique twist on traditional meatballs is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound 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)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, onion, 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 in diameter. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat sweet and sour sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of water to create glaze.
7. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with brown sugar glaze. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce
This recipe combines the classic Italian-American flavor of meatballs with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional comfort food. Perfect for a cozy night in or as an impressive addition to your holiday menu.
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 cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
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. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, heat cranberry sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Chili Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and sour twist on classic meatballs, paired with a tangy chili sauce for added depth of flavor.
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 white vinegar
– 1/2 cup chili sauce (such as sriracha or hot sauce of your choice)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, sugar, vinegar, and chili sauce. Mix well until just combined.
3. Form meat mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs, about 20-25 pieces.
4. Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Hoisin Sauce
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Hoisin Sauce Recipe
Elevate your meatball game with this Asian-inspired twist! This recipe combines the classic sweetness of hoisin sauce with the tanginess of vinegar, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl 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 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with the sweet and sour glaze.
7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Five-Spice Powder
This recipe combines the classic flavors of sweet and sour meatballs with the unique warmth of five-spice powder, creating a deliciously complex dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and five-spice powder. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with the sweet and sour glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Sesame Seeds
Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Sesame Seeds: A Twist on a Classic Recipe!
These bite-sized meatballs get a unique flavor boost from a tangy sweet and sour sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. Perfect for parties or as a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– Sweet and Sour Sauce (see below)
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix meatball ingredients together, then form into balls and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
3. While meatballs are baking, whisk together Sweet and Sour Sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan and simmer for 5-7 minutes, coated in the sweet and sour glaze.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meatball game with these 18 delicious sweet and sour crock pot recipes! From classic combinations like pineapple and honey garlic, to spicy twists with sriracha and tangy flavors with apple cider vinegar, there’s something for everyone. Try out Asian-inspired variations with teriyaki and soy sauce, or add a hint of brown sugar glaze. And don’t forget the fruity options, like grape jelly sauce and cranberry sauce. With these flavorful recipes, you’ll be serving up a party in no time!
