These Sweet and Sour Meatballs bring together juicy homemade meatballs with a tangy, flavorful sauce loaded with vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, these meatballs offer a delicious, restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large onion, shredded or finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
Step 2:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
Step 5:
Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Step 6:
Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated in the sauce. Add pineapple chunks and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Step 7:
Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs – Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Extra Spice – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
Cooking Notes
- Lightly oil your hands when forming the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Browning the meatballs first locks in the juices and enhances their texture.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or an egg roll for a complete meal.
Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a pan over low heat.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 820mg
FAQs
1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes! You can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet. This method makes cleanup easier while keeping the meatballs juicy and evenly cooked.
2. Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple chunks work great, and you can use the juice from the can for the sauce to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor.
3. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, mix an additional ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce while simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the meatballs and store them with the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat before serving.
5. What side dishes go well with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs are best served with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a more balanced meal, you can add stir-fried veggies or a light Asian-style salad.
These Sweet and Sour Meatballs deliver a bold, tangy-sweet flavor that makes them an instant favorite. The combination of tender, juicy meatballs with the rich, flavorful sauce creates a satisfying dish that is both easy to make and full of vibrant colors. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or preparing a dish for a gathering, this recipe will always impress. The balance of sweet pineapple, savory meatballs, and the thick, glossy sauce makes every bite incredibly delicious. Plus, with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a go-to meal for anyone looking to enjoy classic takeout flavors at home. Try it once, and it might just become a regular part of your menu!
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Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large onion, shredded or finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
The Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
Step 2:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
Step 5:
Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Step 6:
Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated in the sauce. Add pineapple chunks and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Step 7:
Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
Cooking Notes
- Lightly oil your hands when forming the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Browning the meatballs first locks in the juices and enhances their texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 820mg
- Protein: 30g