Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Sweet & Sour Meatballs are a perfect balance of savory and tangy, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. The tender meatballs are coated in a rich, flavorful sweet and sour sauce made from simple ingredients like pineapple, vinegar, and sugar. Whether I’m serving them as an appetizer at a party, a comforting family dinner, or just enjoying them with some rice, these meatballs are sure to satisfy with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love Sweet & Sour Meatballs because they are the ideal combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that hit all the right notes. The homemade meatballs are juicy and tender, and the sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and can be served with various sides, making it versatile and perfect for any gathering. Plus, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

• 1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks (with juice, for extra sweetness)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and onion powder. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

• Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add the meatballs to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, pineapple juice, pineapple chunks (and some of the juice), and soy sauce. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

• Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined.

• Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:

• Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked meatballs back into the pan, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.

• Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender.

5. Serve:

• Serve the Sweet & Sour Meatballs over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables. For extra garnish, I can top the meatballs with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients, 15-20 minutes to cook the meatballs, and an additional 5-10 minutes to simmer the sauce and meatballs together. The total time is around 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

Variations

• Pineapple-Free Version: If I’m not a fan of pineapple, I can omit it and use more vinegar or a little orange juice for a tangy kick in the sauce.

• Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, I can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

• Meatball Variations: I can switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or even use plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.

• Sweet & Spicy Sauce: For a sweet and spicy combination, I can add some diced bell peppers or a bit of honey and chili sauce to the sauce for a more complex flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Sweet & Sour Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I can microwave them or reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, I can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! I can prepare the meatballs and cook them ahead of time. Once they’re cooked and cooled, I can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just heat them in the sauce.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely! I can use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch. Just thaw them and then cook them in the sauce as usual.

Can I make the sauce without ketchup?

If I want to make a different version of the sauce, I can skip the ketchup and use tomato paste or crushed tomatoes as the base for the sauce.

Can I use other types of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, I can use ground chicken, turkey, or even pork in place of ground beef. The cooking time will be similar for these options.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the meatballs, I can transfer them to a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours for an easy hands-off method.

Conclusion

Sweet & Sour Meatballs are a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors that make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether served as an appetizer, over rice, or with your favorite sides, they are always a hit. The rich, flavorful sauce and tender meatballs are sure to become a family favorite, and they are quick and easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy nights or entertaining guests.