Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are just about the simplest and most delicious recipe to satisfy any party guest, and it makes enough for a good size gathering. They are ideal for open houses, birthday parties, family reunions, baby showers, or even a nice dinner at home with friends and family. The thick and tangy sauce is perfectly sweet and pairs nicely with savory beef meatballs from the grocery store freezer section. This is the ultimate easy “Dump and Go” recipe for the slow cooker. You can also cook them on the stove top or in the Instant Pot!
Making the Meatballs
Place all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and set to low for about 4-5 hours (or set to high for 2-3 hours).
- 1 32oz Bag Frozen Homestyle Meatballs
- 1 12oz Bottle Chili Sauce such as Heinz
- 3/4 cup Grape Jelly
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, or to taste
Stir once or twice while cooking to help the grape jelly cook into the sauce evenly. When meatballs are tender and the sauce has a consistent texture, stir to coat once more and serve hot! Pair with your favorite potluck sides!
Other Cooking Methods
Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs on the stove top on low for about 1 hour, stirring frequently to ensure the meatballs and sauce cook evenly. This is how I made them in the photos!
For the instant pot – Dump all of the ingredients in the pot, add 1/2 cup water. Seal the lid on and set to “pressure cook” for 5 minutes. When the timer is done, press cancel to turn off the pot and quickly release the pressure. Stir to coat the meatballs. Use the sauté option to thicken the sauce, if needed.
These meatballs are perfectly balanced thanks to savory beef paired with tangy, sweet and sour sauce.
These Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs really do make the perfect party appetizer, side dish, or main course!
We love to eat them with my Potluck Party Potatoes! Such a flavorful combination, and both super easy to make! Your party guests will be so impressed, and both with super minimal effort!
Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 32oz Bag Frozen Homestyle Meatballs
- 1 12oz Bottle Chili Sauce such as Heinz
- 3/4 cup Grape Jelly
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and set to low for about 4-5 hours (or set to high for 2-3 hours). Stir once or twice while cooking to help the grape jelly cook into the sauce evenly. When meatballs are tender and sauce has a consistent texture, stir to coat once more and serve hot!