Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious dish that combines savory flavors with a tangy sauce. This meal is simple to prepare and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The meatballs are made from ground beef, mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. After browning, they are coated in a rich sweet and sour sauce. This sauce includes ingredients like ketchup, pineapple, and rice vinegar for a delightful balance of flavors. Each bite is juicy and bursting with taste. Best served over rice or noodles, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

This dish is not just tasty; it is also fun to make. You can involve kids or friends in rolling the meatballs, making it a great activity. The colorful bell peppers and pineapple chunks add vibrancy to the dish, making it visually appealing. Also, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Sweet and sour meatballs are comforting and satisfying, a dinner that brings smiles to everyone.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup bell peppers (chopped, red and green)
1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup water

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and roll into 1-inch meatballs (about 20 to 24 meatballs). Chill the rolled meatballs in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to help them hold their shape. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Transfer browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple chunks with juice, bell peppers, water, and cornstarch. Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 5 to 7 minutes). Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat each one completely. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and sour meatballs are best served over a bed of fluffy rice or on a plate of noodles. You can sprinkle some chopped scallions or sesame seeds on top for added flavor and decoration. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Let any leftover meatballs cool down before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Meatballs

To make the meatballs even juicier, do not overmix the ground beef. This can make them tough. For extra flavor, you can add chopped onions or herbs to the meat mixture. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.

Recipe Variations

For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of brown sugar if you want to lessen the sweetness. For a spicy kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just skip the first few steps and bake them directly in the sauce until heated through.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just mix them together when you’re ready to serve.

What type of rice should I serve with this?
Any type of rice works well, but white rice or jasmine rice are popular choices for this dish.

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