When it comes to easy dinners, there’s nothing quite like the simplicity of a crock pot meal. These high-protein sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious blend of flavors that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Imagine tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a vibrant sauce that perfectly marries the sweetness of pineapple with the tang of vinegar. This recipe is not only satisfying but also packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious family meal.
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Easy and Flavorful Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs are the perfect combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors. The use of a crock pot ensures that each meatball remains juicy and tender, while the sauce provides a delightful kick that complements fluffy rice or noodles perfectly.
With tender meatballs simmered in a vibrant sauce, this dish captures the essence of comfort food. The marriage of pineapple sweetness with tangy notes creates a flavor profile that keeps everyone eager for seconds.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
A few key ingredients set this dish apart.
Ground turkey or chicken forms the base, offering a high-protein option, while breadcrumbs and Parmesan enhance the texture of the meatballs.
Fresh chunks of pineapple and chopped bell peppers add bursts of flavor and color, making each bite a delightful experience.
Don’t forget the garnish of sliced green onions that brings a fresh crunch to the plate!
Cooking with Convenience
Preparing this dish is straightforward and convenient.
Start by combining the meatball ingredients in a bowl, then shape them into small balls before adding them to the crock pot with the sauce.
With a cooking time of 3-8 hours, this meal allows for flexibility on busy days.
Simply set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a warm and satisfying dinner.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
Serving sweet and sour meatballs over fluffy white rice creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
The rice acts as a canvas, soaking up the rich sauce and balancing the flavors of the dish.
For an added crunch, consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
This adds freshness and texture, rounding out the meal beautifully.
A Dish That Brings People Together
This vibrant plate of sweet and sour meatballs is not just food; it’s an experience.
Perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings, it brings a sense of warmth and togetherness to the table.
The colorful presentation and enticing aroma invite everyone to gather and share stories, making each meal memorable.
Enjoy the moments created around this delightful dish!
Nutrition That Nourishes
Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also nutritious.
With 28 grams of protein per serving, it provides a hearty option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
At just 350 calories, it allows you to indulge without the guilt.
This dish proves that comfort food can be both satisfying and health-conscious!
Easy and Flavorful Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These sweet and sour meatballs are savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with flavor. The crock pot method ensures they stay juicy and tender, while the sauce adds a delightful kick that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the crock pot, mix together the pineapple chunks with juice and sweet and sour sauce.
- Cook: Place the meatballs gently into the sauce in the crock pot. Top with chopped bell pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs over rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4-8 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Looking for more nutritious meal ideas? Check out our collection of 50 high-protein Crock-Pot meals for healthy eating! Perfect for busy families.