Description
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious blend of tender, juicy beef meatballs simmered in a tangy and sweet pineapple-infused sauce. This American Chinese-inspired dish combines savory spices with vibrant flavors, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then form into 1 to 1 1/2 inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and brown them on all sides for about 5 to 6 minutes to develop flavor and seal in the juices. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, pineapple juice, diced pineapple, and diced bell peppers. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat to meld the flavors.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Let them cook gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked inside and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the sweet and sour meatballs warm over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for convenient future meals.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or pineapple juice according to your taste preference.
