Oh, sweet and sour meatballs—where do I even start? These little flavor bombs are like a party in your mouth! The savory, juicy meatballs paired with that tangy, sticky sauce are just magical. I remember my mom making these for family dinners, and everyone would gather around the table, the smell wafting through the house. It’s such a comforting dish, and honestly, it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Kids and adults alike absolutely love them, making them a perfect choice for any gathering. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home too!

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Gathering the right ingredients is key to whipping up these delicious sweet and sour meatballs! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vinegar (white or apple cider works well)
1/4 cup soy sauce

Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. It’ll make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these sweet and sour meatballs! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love the process as much as the result. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your meatballs bake evenly and come out perfectly cooked and juicy!

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, and milk. I like to use my hands to really mix it all together until it’s well combined. It gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!

Step 3: Form and Bake Meatballs

Now it’s time to roll! Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about an inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, grab a saucepan and combine the pineapple chunks, chopped bell pepper, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Heat it over medium heat until the sauce thickens and gets that delicious, sticky consistency.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan and gently stir to coat them in that heavenly sweet and sour sauce. Make sure every meatball gets a nice glaze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sweet and sour meatballs are a total game-changer for weeknight dinners! Here’s why you’re going to adore this recipe:

Quick to prepare—ready in just 40 minutes!
Easy ingredients you probably already have at home.
Flavor-packed with that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Healthy option with lean ground beef and veggies.
Kid-friendly and great for family gatherings.

Trust me, once you whip these up, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

Tips for Success

To make your sweet and sour meatballs truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t overmix the meatball mixture; just combine until everything is blended to keep them tender. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. For extra flavor, sauté the onion before adding it to the meat mixture—this step really brings out its sweetness! And if you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. Lastly, serve these delightful meatballs over rice or noodles to soak up all that yummy sauce!

Serving Suggestions

To create a complete meal with your sweet and sour meatballs, I highly recommend serving them over a fluffy bed of rice—jasmine or basmati are my personal favorites! The rice soaks up that delicious sauce perfectly. You could also pair them with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a pop of color and crunch. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not add a side of egg rolls or a fresh salad? It all comes together for a delightful feast!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these numbers as a general guideline rather than an exact science. Here’s a typical breakdown per serving:

Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 20g

It’s always good to keep an eye on those numbers, especially if you’re watching your intake!

FAQ about Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative, just keep in mind it might be a bit less rich, but still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re great for meal prep!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day before and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up before adding your meatballs.

What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
Pair them with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They’re so versatile!

Can I freeze sweet and sour meatballs?
Definitely! Just freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last about 2 months—perfect for quick meals!

Sweet and Sour Meatballs: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious dish that combines savory meatballs with a tangy sauce.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, and milk.
Form the mixture into small meatballs.
Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine pineapple, bell pepper, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce.
Heat the sauce over medium heat until it thickens.
Add baked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat.
Serve warm.