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
Scale
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