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Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

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

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