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Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors with our Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe, featuring juicy meatballs drenched in a tangy-sweet sauce. Quick to prepare, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit for any meal or gathering.
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Whip up an easy dinner with our Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe! These meatballs are quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for a weeknight meal, they offer a delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors that everyone will love.
Enjoy a hassle-free, tasty dinner tonight!
More Recipes ⭐ Crispy Honey Chicken | Beef and Broccoli | Honey Garlic Pork Chops | Crack Slaw
Lean ground beef creates a juicy and flavorful foundation for the best sweet and sour meatball recipe, enhanced with sweet yellow onions, breadcrumbs, milk, and a mix of seasonings. This combination ensures each meatball is tender and rich in taste.
For the sauce, pineapple chunks add a burst of natural sweetness, complemented by BBQ sauce and sweet chili sauce for a perfect sweet and spicy harmony. Light brown sugar and tangy apple cider vinegar balance the flavors, making the sweet and sour sauce irresistibly delicious.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Ingredients
What you'll need to make these pineapple sweet and sour meatballs:
Meatball Ingredients
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- ½ cup of finely diced sweet yellow onion
- ½ cup of plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup of whole milk
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
Sweet and Sour Sauce for Meatballs Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) can of pineapple chunks, separate the pineapple chunks and reserve the juice
- ¾ cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ cup of sweet chili sauce
- ½ cup of light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
This recipe for Chinese sweet and sour sauce is a must for dinner, perfectly balancing bold sweetness with a tangy kick. It's versatile and enhances any dish, making it a must-try for lovers of authentic Asian flavors.
Substitutions and Additions
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of these sweet and sour sauce meatballs!
Ground Meat: For a healthier twist, try swapping lean ground beef with ground turkey. This alternative still retains the meaty flavor but with less fat. The end result is an amazing dinner for sweet and sour turkey meatballs with pineapple that will be a huge hit!
Onion: Switch from yellow to red onions in this easy recipe to add complexity. Red onions provide a subtly sweet flavor with a touch of spiciness, enhancing the overall taste.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Tailor the heat to your liking by selecting either mild or spicy sweet chili sauce. This lets you control the spiciness of the dish according to your preference.
Pineapple Chunks: Opt for fresh pineapple chunks over canned to infuse a more intense and fresh fruity flavor into this pineapple sweet and sour sauce.
BBQ Sauce: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different BBQ sauce brands to find your preferred taste, whether you like it smoky, spicy, or sweet.
Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake while still savoring the rich umami flavor it adds to the sauce.
Meatballs: If short on time, use Aidells teriyaki & pineapple chicken meatballs from Costco. They are the perfect quick substitute and compliment the flavors of this sweet and sour meatball sauce perfectly. Just reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Veggies: Incorporate sliced onions and green bell peppers into the meatball mixture for an added burst of flavor and texture.
How to cook Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Once you've prepared this simple sweet and sour meatballs recipe, simply top them with the sweet and sour sauce and pop them in the oven to bake.
Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
SECOND STEP: Using a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Mix until well combined.
Pro Tip
If you're mixing this baked meatballs recipe by hand, I strongly recommend wearing gloves. It's also a good idea to wear gloves while shaping the raw meatballs to keep things sanitary and mess-free.
THIRD STEP: Scoop out the meat mixture using a 1½-tablespoon scoop. Roll the scooped meat into a ball. Place the meatballs into the prepared baking dish. Set it aside.
Pro Tip
I highly recommend using a dedicated scoop for this Aidells meatballs inspired recipe to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Be sure to clearly label the scoop so it's easily recognizable to anyone using it.
How to make sweet and sour meatball sauce
FOURTH STEP: Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set it aside.
FIFTH STEP: Evenly sprinkle the pineapple chunks over the meatballs.
SIXTH STEP: Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the meatballs.
SEVENTH STEP: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Serve hot over rice.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures can differ and might require periodic recalibration to ensure accuracy. Be sure to monitor your beef meatballs recipe with sauce closely as the suggested cooking time approaches to avoid overcooking.
How to serve this Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe
Pair these meatballs with sweet and sour sauce with fluffy white rice and sautéed vegetables for a satisfying meal. The rice absorbs the tangy sauce, making each bite simply irresistible.
Transform these delicious meatballs into a crowd-pleasing party appetizer by serving them with toothpicks. They make the perfect bite-sized snack for any gathering.
Elevate your lunch game by crafting a meatball sandwich with a soft sub roll, crisp lettuce, and an extra drizzle of sweet and sour sauce.
Don't forget to explore our other homemade meatball recipes. Our Salisbury Steak Meatballs are particularly popular when company's coming and always a hit!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties, this easy sweet and sour meatballs recipe is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture in advance to make mealtime stress-free on busy days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze these meatballs to have a quick and easy dinner option ready whenever you need it, saving time and effort.
Our sweet and sour meatball recipe masterfully blends sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal for a family dinner, game night, or potluck, these meatballs are a delightful favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative that pairs beautifully with this recipe, maintaining the delicious flavors while offering a healthier option.
What other vegetables can I add to the meatball mixture?
Feel free to experiment by adding sliced green peppers or other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to enhance the flavor and add texture to your meatballs.
Can I use ground pork instead of beef in this sweet and sour meatball recipe?
Yes, mixing ground pork with ground beef can create a richer flavor profile, adding depth to the taste of your meatballs.
Can I make the sauce less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness of this sauce for meatballs recipe, opt for a milder sweet chili sauce or simply use less of it according to your taste preference.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and use a scoop to form consistent-sized meatballs, which helps in maintaining their shape during cooking.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Definitely, using fresh pineapple will add a more vibrant and fresh twist to the sweet sauce for meatballs, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Can I make the recipe for sweet and sour meatballs sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar or choosing a BBQ sauce that has a lower sugar content.
Storing Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Make Ahead: Prepare your meatball mixture ahead of time by shaping them into balls and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept like this for up to a day before you bake them.
In the Fridge: Keep any leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
In the Freezer: To freeze the meatballs, first cool them and then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will remain good for up to two months.
Reheating: To reheat, place either frozen or refrigerated meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until they are thoroughly heated through. If you're in a hurry, you can also microwave them, but make sure to cover them to keep the moisture in.
More Delicious Chinese Dinner Recipes to Try at Home!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors with our Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe, featuring juicy meatballs drenched in a tangy-sweet sauce. Quick to prepare, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit for any meal or gathering.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
Meatballs Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup sweet yellow onion (finely diced)
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
Sweet and Sour Sauce for Meatballs Ingredients
- 29 ounces pineapple chunks (separate the pineapple chunks and reserve the juice)
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- Using a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using a 1½-tablespoon scoop, scoop out the meatball mixture. Roll the scooped meat into a ball. Place the meatballs into the prepared baking dish. Set it aside.
- Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set it aside.
- Evenly sprinkle the pineapple chunks over the meatballs.
- Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the meatballs.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- If you use your hands to mix the meatball ingredients, I strongly recommend wearing gloves. I also recommend wearing gloves when shaping the raw meatballs.
- I highly recommend having a dedicated scoop for meatballs. There is always a risk of cross-contamination. Be sure to clearly mark the scoop for anyone to recognize.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your beef meatballs as the suggested cooking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
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Kathryn says
Seriously such a good recipe! Was perfect over rice. Will definitely make again.