Juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in a tangy and sweet sauce—this Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a complete meal, these meatballs are incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour.
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Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or with noodles for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for parties or busy weeknights.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl: To prepare the meatball mixture.
- Baking sheet: For baking the meatballs (or skillet if pan-frying).
- Large saucepan or skillet: To cook the sauce and combine with meatballs.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until browned on all sides.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat. If using bell peppers or pineapple chunks, stir them in and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A: Yes! Just cook the frozen meatballs according to package instructions, then toss them in the homemade sauce.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables like cauliflower.
Q3: What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
A: Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes for a twist!
Conclusion: A Sweet and Tangy Delight!
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a guaranteed hit, combining juicy meatballs with a perfectly balanced sauce. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a party appetizer, it’s bound to become a favorite. Give it a try and let the compliments roll in!
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us online—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy this sweet and tangy dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite!
Print
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in a tangy and sweet sauce—this Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a complete meal, these meatballs are incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes like this straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until browned on all sides.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat. If using bell peppers or pineapple chunks, stir them in and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
