Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a tangy and sweet pineapple-based sauce with colorful bell peppers. A perfect appetizer for parties or a satisfying main course served over rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Form the Meatballs
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, minced garlic, 1 tbsp soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- c.Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- d.Roll the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Meatballs
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
- e.Remove the browned meatballs with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Vegetables and Prepare Sauce
- b.In the same skillet, add the chunked onion and green bell pepper to the remaining drippings. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- c.While the vegetables cook, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and the remaining 2 tbsp of soy sauce in a medium bowl.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
- b.Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together to create a smooth slurry.
- d.Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has noticeably thickened.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish the Dish
- b.Gently return the browned meatballs and the pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- c.Stir carefully to coat everything in the thickened sauce.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through completely and the flavors to meld.
- e.Confirm the meatballs are done by checking that their internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender meatballs, use a mix of half ground beef and half ground pork.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the meatballs; this ensures they get a nice crust instead of steaming.
- 3Baking the meatballs is a great alternative to frying. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until browned.
- 4For a bit of spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- 5This dish can be made ahead and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. It's also a great slow cooker recipe.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey for a different flavor profile. You can also use pre-made frozen meatballs to save time.
Add More VegetablesAdd More Vegetables
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced carrots, water chestnuts, or snow peas. Add them along with the bell peppers and onions.
Sweetener AlternativesSweetener Alternatives
Replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a slightly different kind of sweetness.
Gluten Free OptionGluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Vitamin C
Bell peppers and pineapple are great sources of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and supports skin health.
Provides Iron
Beef is a significant source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe contains approximately 650-750 calories, not including any rice or side dishes.