Sweet and Sour Meatballs

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and just a touch of sweetness. This easy recipe brings a fun twist to traditional meatballs with a zesty chili garlic sauce and a sweet grape jelly glaze. Perfect for gatherings, quick dinners, or an effortless appetizer, these meatballs are ready in just minutes and pack loads of flavor.

Juicy, Flavor-Packed Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs take just a handful of ingredients to create a dish that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy chili garlic sauce and sweet grape jelly coats each meatball with a unique and vibrant sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe incredibly convenient, while still tasting fresh and homemade. You can also make your own meatballs from scratch if you prefer, but the real magic lies in the easy-to-make sauce. Whether you make these on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, they’re bound to be a hit.

These meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a hearty main dish over rice or noodles, or as a fun, shareable appetizer at any event or family gathering.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Creating this irresistible Sweet and Sour Meatball dish is as simple as gathering a few key ingredients that bring both bold flavors and ease of preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Frozen Fully-Cooked Meatballs (32 ounces) – Using store-bought, frozen meatballs makes this recipe super quick and convenient. You can also substitute with homemade meatballs if you prefer a personal touch.
• Chili Garlic Sauce (12 ounces) – This sauce provides a robust, slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the jelly. It adds just the right amount of tang and heat.
• Grape Jelly (10 ounces) – The grape jelly balances out the spice from the chili garlic sauce, creating that delicious sweet-and-sour contrast. This ingredient also helps to thicken the sauce, coating each meatball with a glossy, sticky glaze.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs on the Stovetop

Cooking these meatballs on the stovetop is simple and yields a mouth-watering, sticky-sweet coating in no time! Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing these sweet and savory delights:

1. Prepare the Meatballs – Place the frozen meatballs in a large pan. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand, making this step even easier.
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chili garlic sauce and grape jelly until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Sauce to the Meatballs – Pour the sweet and spicy sauce mixture over the meatballs in the pan, ensuring they’re all well-coated.
4. Cook Until Hot – Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce begins to simmer, about 15 minutes. The sauce should become glossy and slightly thickened, coating each meatball evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy – Serve the meatballs hot, either on their own as appetizers or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

If you prefer a more hands-off method or want to keep them warm for an event, these Sweet and Sour Meatballs are also perfect for the slow cooker. Here’s how to make them in a crockpot for even more convenience:

1. Add the Meatballs to the Slow Cooker – Place the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker or crockpot.
2. Mix the Sauce and Add to Meatballs – In a separate bowl, combine the chili garlic sauce and grape jelly until smooth. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly.
3. Slow Cook Until Ready – Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Serve Directly from the Crockpot – Once fully cooked, keep the slow cooker on the warm setting to serve hot meatballs throughout your event or meal.

Cooking Times for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

When it comes to cooking Sweet and Sour Meatballs, the method you choose will affect the cook time. Here’s a handy guide to ensure your meatballs are perfectly heated and ready to enjoy:

Stovetop Cooking Time:

• Medium Heat – Cook the meatballs on medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to simmer and thicken, coating the meatballs evenly once they’re heated through.

Slow Cooker Cooking Time:

• High Setting – For a faster cook, use the high setting on your slow cooker and cook for 2-4 hours.
• Low Setting – If you’re prepping in advance or want a slower cook, choose the low setting and cook for 5-6 hours. This option works well if you’re serving the meatballs at a party and want them warm throughout.

How to Store Leftover Sweet and Sour Meatballs

If you have any leftovers, these meatballs store well and taste just as delicious reheated. Here are some simple storage and reheating tips:

• Refrigerator – Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips

• Stovetop – Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are warmed through.
• Microwave – For a quicker option, microwave the meatballs in a microwave-safe container, covering loosely with a lid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.

Cooking Tips

• Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a bit more grape jelly for extra sweetness.
• Add Some Garnish – For added color and flavor, garnish your meatballs with sliced green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?