Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs in a tangy, sweet sauce. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as the main dish for dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The savory meatballs are coated in a sweet and sour sauce made from simple ingredients like pineapple, vinegar, and sugar, creating the ideal balance of flavors. Easy to make and packed with flavor, Sweet and Sour Meatballs are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the sweet and sour sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped pineapple chunks (optional for extra sweetness)

Directions:

Make the meatballs:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
3. Shape the meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Cook the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove them from the oven and set them aside.

Make the sweet and sour sauce:

5. Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
6. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. If you like extra pineapple flavor, add chopped pineapple chunks to the sauce and let them cook for a couple of minutes.

Combine the meatballs and sauce:

7. Coat the meatballs: Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the sauce and heat through.

Serve:

8. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Sweet and Sour Meatballs hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. They’re perfect on their own, over rice, or with a side of vegetables.

Notes:

• Meatball Variations: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
• Sauce Adjustments: For a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar. For more tanginess, add a little more vinegar.
• Make-Ahead: The meatballs and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Conclusion:

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a flavorful and easy dish that combines the best of savory and sweet in every bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at your next party or as a weeknight meal, these meatballs will quickly become a family favorite. With their tender texture and tangy-sweet sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Try this recipe today for a delicious and satisfying meal!