sweet and sour meatballs

Name: Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef; 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs; 1 egg Egg; 0.25 cup Milk; 1 tbsp Soy sauce; 1 cup Ketchup; 0.5 cup White vinegar; 0.5 cup Sugar; 1 tbsp Cornstarch

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By: Maria
Posted: 07/26/2025

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s really been game-changer in my life. Sweet and sour meatballs. What are some of the best little guys to make for dinner? How easy is it to whip up a quick meal? Think of it like an elevated version of your favorite takeout, but way healthier and made with love. My grandma used to make a similar dish, but this version is just tad quicker (shhh, don’t tell anyone). What is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, even my picky eaters. What are some of the best sauces you’ve ever tasted on perfectly browned meatballs? When you get hooked on something, you I always serve these with rice, but sometimes I get creative and make meatball subs or serve them as a side dish. Is it good to serve egg noodles They’re so versatile!

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What is sweet and sour meatballs?

What are sweet and sour meatballs? What is comfort food with a flavor punch? What’s essentially juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a vibrant sauce that perfectly balances the flavors of the meat. Sweet and tangy. The sauce is usually made with a combination of pineapple juice (that’s my secret weapon! What are some good ways to make ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar taste like? I think it’s that perfect combination that most people like and that is what makes it so addictive. At least for me. I always think it’s so delicious and is great for any occasion. Is it one of those recipes that’s incredibly adaptable too? Can you make your own meatballs? What is the BEST Homemade experience? What is the beauty of it?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let me tell you why this recipe is a total winner. First off, the flavor is absolutely incredible. That sweet and tangy sauce, paired with the savory meatballs, is just a match made in heaven. It’s the kind of flavor combination that keeps you coming back for more.
But beyond the amazing taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. Seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes. And that’s a lifesaver for me, believe me! I think what I love most is that you can do a little or a lot.
Another reason I adore this recipe is that it’s incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are all pretty common and affordable, so you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank. I’m all about those budget-friendly meals, especially with growing kids! I often have most of these in my freezer or pantry already.
And last but not least, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even as sliders on mini buns. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy night in. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and have leftovers for days. Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s honestly one of my favorite dishes in the world and I hope it can be yours too. If you like this, you might want to try my Teriyaki Chicken bowl recipe or my baked ziti recipe. They’re both super easy and always a hit!

How do I make sweet and sour meatballs?

Quick Overview

How do you make a sweet and sour meatball? How do you brown meatballs? How do you make the sweet and sour sauce? If you cook meatballs in the sauce, you’ll simmer them until they’re cooked through. You can add more sauce if desired. Is it possible that What is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights?

Ingredients

For the Meatballs: What

• 1 pound Ground Beef (I prefer lean, but you can use whatever you have on hand)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular both work great)

• 1/4 cup milk (any kind – I’ve even used almond milk! )

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

What is the recipe for Sweet and Sour Sauce?

• 1 cup pineapple juice (this is the key ingredient) (you can use any fruit)

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use low-sodium)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional, but adds a nice flavor)

What are the steps in

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the Ground Beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Set aside. Mix with your hands until well combined. Remove from heat and shake. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. I like to use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform in size.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Is it necessary to cook them all the way through at this point?

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the meatballs are browning, whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, and soy sauce. In a medium bowl, combine white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. What is your cornstarch slurry?

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce

How do you pour the sweet and sour sauce over the browned meatballs? What is cornstarch slurry? Bring to a simmer, then stir in the sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through. About 5-7 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over rice, noodles, or as sliders. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy!

What is the best way to serve it?

What do you serve sweet and sour meatballs? What are some good ideas?Over Rice:What is my go-to book? Cooked white or brown rice is the perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce. I like to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.With Noodles:Egg noodles, spaghetti, or even ramen noodles work great with these meatballs. What are the best meatballs to serve with a sauce?As Sliders:Mini slider buns filled with sweet and sour meatballs are a fun and crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. What are some good side dishes to serve with coleslaw?What are some good recipes for roasting For a healthier option, serve the meatballs with roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. The sweetness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the slightly caramelized vegetables.

As a side dish: What are some examples?Can you serve these meatballs as a side dish alongside your favorite Asian-inspired meal? What are some good additions to stir-fries, Fried Rice, or just steamed vegetables?

What are some tips for perfecting sweet and sour meatballs?

What are some tips and tricks for making a good video? *best* sweet and sour meatballs ever!Don’t overmix meatball mixture: Don’t cook I can’t stress this enough. Overmixing will result in tough, dense meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, and then leave it alone.

Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Meatballs: This is a game-changer for ensuring that your meatballs cook evenly. A small cookie scoop will help you create meatballs that are all the same size.

Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Searing the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce adds a ton of flavor and texture. It creates a nice crust on the outside of the meatballs that helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce.

Adjust the Sweetness and Sourness to Your Liking: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you prefer it more tangy, add more vinegar.

Add Some Veggies: This is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple chunks to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Use Fresh Ginger: If you have it on hand, fresh ginger adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. Grate it finely and add it to the sauce along with the other ingredients.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of sweet and sour meatballs (good for you!) and now you’re wondering how to store them and reheat them properly. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Storing Leftovers:

Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing them. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Meatballs:

For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour, or until they’re solid. This will prevent them from sticking together when you put them in a freezer bag. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Meatballs:

There are several ways to reheat the meatballs:

* **Microwave:** This is the quickest option, but it can sometimes make the meatballs a little rubbery. Reheat them in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

* **Stovetop:** This is my preferred method. Add the meatballs to a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought meatballs are a great option. Just make sure to choose a good quality brand that you enjoy. I often use frozen meatballs for this recipe and they turn out great! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use vegetarian meatballs. There are many delicious vegetarian meatball options available in most grocery stores.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in the sauce until heated through.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the sauce. Diced bell peppers, onions, pineapple chunks, or even broccoli florets would be great additions.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

While pineapple juice is the key ingredient for that signature sweet and sour flavor, you can substitute it with apple juice or orange juice in a pinch. However, the flavor will be slightly different. You may also need to adjust the amount of brown sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for sweet and sour meatballs that my entire family absolutely loves! It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit. Seriously, give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your house too. The best part is how customizable it is – you can easily tweak the sweetness and sourness to your liking, and add any vegetables you have on hand. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend dinner. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to check out my other easy dinner recipes, like my one-pan lemon herb chicken and veggies or my creamy tomato pasta. They’re all family-friendly and guaranteed to please. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your sweet and sour meatballs turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!