Irresistible Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something magical about the aroma of Sweet and Sour Meatballs wafting through your home. Picture this: juicy meatballs, dripping with a tangy sauce that dances on your taste buds, all while teasing your senses with their vibrant colors. You can practically hear them calling out to you, begging for attention just as your favorite sitcom does when it’s on a commercial break.

I remember the first time I made Sweet and Sour Meatballs; my friends were convinced I’d been hiding culinary secrets in my kitchen. Little did they know, it was just me and a handful of ingredients having the time of our lives. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these meatballs promise to steal the show every single time.

Every time I whip up these Sweet and Sour Meatballs, my family erupts into applause—it’s like being the star of my very own cooking show.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 fat ratio for juicy meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.

• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to add texture without overpowering the dish.

• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder; large eggs work best for ensuring your meatballs hold together.

• Onion: Freshly chopped onion adds sweetness; sauté them lightly for deeper flavor.

• Garlic: Minced garlic elevates the aroma and taste—because let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: The star ingredient that brings sweetness; opt for organic ketchup for more flavor depth.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds the necessary tanginess; don’t skimp on this one—it’s essential!

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced without overwhelming saltiness.

• Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar enhances caramelization and rounds out flavors beautifully.

• Pineapple Chunks: For that classic sweet-sour combo; fresh or canned works well here.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it or you’ll have tough meatballs.

Form the Meatballs: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re feeling fancy), shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch those inevitable drips.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs carefully without crowding; cook until browned on all sides—about 8 minutes—then remove them from heat.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple chunks. Bring this delightful mix to a simmer while stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently place browned meatballs back into the skillet with sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes over low heat so they soak up all those flavorful juices.

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are not just another recipe; they’re an experience waiting to happen! Serve them hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal that will transport you straight to flavor town. Enjoy every last bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing ground meat with seasonings, then shape into meatballs. Pan-fry until browned before simmering in sauce to absorb those glorious flavors.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or pineapple for a fun twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Sweet and Sour Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat for best results.

Sharing my first attempt at Sweet and Sour Meatballs was both hilarious and rewarding—my family fought over the last few bites!

FAQ

Can I make Sweet and Sour Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

What is the best way to serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs?

Serve them over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

How can I make these meatballs spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a kick!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors that bring joy to any meal. Juicy meatballs simmered in a vibrant sauce make for an irresistible dish, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. Shape mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; brown the meatballs for about 8 minutes.
4. In the same skillet, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple; simmer until thickened.
5. Add browned meatballs to the sauce; cover and cook on low heat for an additional 10–15 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg