If you’re looking for a recipe that’s bursting with flavor and a total crowd-pleaser, this sweet and sour meatball dish is exactly what you need. Picture juicy, tender meatballs in a tangy, sweet sauce that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and just a little zesty. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, and it’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
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Why You’ll Love Sweet And Sour Meatballs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these meatballs—they’re made with a handful of simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Meatballs:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Sweet And Sour Sauce:
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your meatballs the perfect crispy exterior while staying juicy inside.
Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Roll into bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meatballs: Pop those meatballs into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine the Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done, toss them into the sweet and sour sauce and coat them evenly. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs warm, and watch them disappear from the plate! They’re perfect on their own, over a bed of rice, or alongside some steamed vegetables.
How to Serve Sweet And Sour Meatballs
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives or use a plant-based egg substitute.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and will give you a lighter version of the meatballs.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare the meatballs and sauce, then store them in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Place the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Feel free to double the recipe, especially if you’re cooking for a larger crowd or want leftovers. Just make sure your baking sheet or pan has enough space for the meatballs to cook evenly.
Q7: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A7: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a bit more cornstarch (dissolved in water) to the sauce as it cooks, and it will thicken up beautifully.
Q8: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A8: Yes, you can! Brown the meatballs first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Q9: Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
A9: Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar, but keep in mind it might slightly change the flavor profile.
Q10: Is this recipe spicy?
A10: It’s not overly spicy, but if you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some chili flakes or a touch of hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce.
Conclusion
This sweet and sour meatball recipe is an absolute winner! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving it at a party, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it irresistible. And with its easy prep and flexible ingredients, you’ll be making this dish again and again. Happy cooking!
Print
Sweet And Sour Meatballs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a flavorful, quick meal packed with savory meatballs, colorful peppers, and a tangy homemade sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, these meatballs are easy to make and full of delicious, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
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For the Meatballs:
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1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
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1-1.5 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
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2 large eggs
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (omit if sensitive to heat)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp oil (for sautéing peppers)
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1/2 cup yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 small green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 small orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1/2 cup canned pineapple, diced (save juice for sauce)
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For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
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4 Tbsp rice vinegar
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2 Tbsp soy sauce
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1 cup chicken or beef broth (low sodium)
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/3 cup ketchup
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1 Tbsp tomato paste
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1/3 cup pineapple juice
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1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water (to make slurry)
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Instructions
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Cook Rice:
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Start by cooking rice according to package instructions. It usually takes around 20 minutes.
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Prepare Meatballs:
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In a mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and form into small golf ball-sized meatballs.
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For air frying: Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined tray and cook at 375ºF for 7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 7-10 minutes.
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For oven baking: Place the meatballs on a cooking sheet and bake at 375ºF for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
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Sauté Vegetables:
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In a large wok or pan, heat oil over medium/high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking for 5-8 minutes until softened.
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Make Sauce:
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In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry). Whisk until well combined. Set aside.
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Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir well. Let the sauce simmer until thick and glossy.
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Combine and Serve:
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Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the skillet, tossing everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat the meatballs through.
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Serve over rice and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
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Notes
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Serve the meatballs over rice for a complete meal.
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For extra flavor, feel free to garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg