Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Transform your dinner table with an easy sweet and sour meatballs recipe that is both delicious and incredibly simple to prepare. This dish, beloved for its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is designed for everyone to enjoy.

Growing up, my grandmother always had a knack for making a simple meal taste extraordinary. One of my fondest memories is the aroma of sweet and sour meatballs wafting through her kitchen. She’d prepare them for every special occasion, creating a tradition that I’ve proudly passed on to my kids. Now, every Sunday, we gather around the dinner table enjoying this beloved recipe, sharing stories, and creating new memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is cherished for its simplicity and unparalleled flavor. The combination of juicy meatballs coated in a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce is a taste sensation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and equally suitable for entertaining guests. You’ll appreciate how minimal the ingredients are, making it a budget-friendly dish that requires minimal time to prepare and cook.

Ingredients Notes

Choosing quality ingredients can make a big difference in this dish. For the meatballs, ground beef or a mix of beef and pork works best. Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant sweetness, but canned pineapple can be an acceptable substitute in a pinch. Don’t shy away from using organic bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor. Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by reducing or increasing the amount of brown sugar.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Mix well until fully integrated.

Step 2

Roll the mixture into small balls, about one inch in size, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until they are fully cooked and browned.

Step 3

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Simmer on medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.

Step 4

In a separate pan, sauté bell peppers and pineapple chunks with a little olive oil until they begin to soften. Add the baked meatballs and pour the sauce over everything. Stir gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 5

Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve hot with white rice or noodles for a delightful meal.

Storage Options

Store leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stove to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

For a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or broccoli to increase nutritional value. To cater to dietary restrictions, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet and sour meatballs are perfect as a main course or as an appetizer. Serve them over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or with egg noodles. For a party setting, present them with toothpicks as bite-sized snacks that your guests can enjoy while mingling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, simply cook them in the sauce following the recipe steps for a quick meal.

What can I use if I don’t have pineapple on hand? If pineapple is unavailable, you can substitute with mango or peaches for a similar sweet element. Alternatively, use apple sauce mixed into the meatball mixture for a subtle fruity flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the meat with plant-based ground beef. Ensure that the breadcrumbs and sauce components are also plant-based, and the end result will be equally delicious and satisfying.

Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

These sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. Ready in under an hour, they are bursting with flavor and are always a crowd favorite.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
• ▢ 0.5 cup bread crumbs plain
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 0.5 cup ketchup
• ▢ 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• ▢ 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, soy sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
• Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, white vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Once simmering, add the cornstarch mixture and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
• Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly.

Notes

Serve these meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also add pineapple chunks or bell peppers for extra flavor.