Easy Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Meatballs (Printable Version)

Tender meatballs in a tangy-sweet peach and apricot sauce, slow-cooked for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked meatballs

→ Sweet and Sour Sauce

02 - 1 cup peach or apricot preserves
03 - 1/2 cup ketchup
04 - 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
05 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
06 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
07 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
10 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Transfer frozen meatballs into a 4-6 quart slow cooker
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together peach or apricot preserves, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth
03 - Pour sauce over meatballs and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbling, stirring once or twice during cooking if possible
05 - Transfer to serving dish and serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice as a main course

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It takes five minutes to assemble and the slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
  • The balance of sweet fruit and tangy vinegar creates a sauce that clings to every meatball in the most satisfying way.
  • You can serve it straight from the crock pot at a party or spoon it over rice for a quick weeknight dinner.
  • Everyone always asks for the recipe, and you get to smile knowing how easy it really was.
02 -
  • Resist the urge to cook on HIGH to save time, the meatballs can get tough and the sauce might scorch around the edges.
  • If your sauce looks too thick after a couple hours, stir in a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up.
  • Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a pinch more vinegar or sugar depending on your mood.
03 -
  • Use a slow cooker liner for the easiest cleanup you have ever experienced, just lift it out and toss when you are done.
  • If you want to impress, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions right before serving.
  • Double the sauce recipe and freeze half for next time, it thaws beautifully and cuts your prep in half.
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