Description
These sweet and sour meatballs offer an easy-to-make blend of tangy and sweet flavors. They are versatile, perfect for appetizers or a main course, and can be made ahead or frozen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup red bell pepper chunks
- 1 cup green bell pepper chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Bake on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned. Alternatively, brown in a skillet.
- Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, combine brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and water. Simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add to the simmering sauce and stir until thickened.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked meatballs, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers to the sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- For an Asian twist, use sweet chili sauce and sesame oil.
- For a Hawaiian flavor, add pineapple juice and diced ham.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based meatballs and soy-based sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 7-10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 13-20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80-100mg
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