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Homemade Sweet And Sour Meatballs recipe photo

Sweet And Sour Meatballs

This Sweet And Sour Meatballs recipe is a flavor-packed delight! Perfect as an appetizer or over rice for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large onion shredded or finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup pineapple juice from canned pineapple
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 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
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Method:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each meatball for even cooking.
  3. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  4. While the meatballs are baking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add the red and green bell pepper pieces and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  8. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and add them to the skillet with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
  9. Serve your Sweet And Sour Meatballs over rice, in a sub sandwich, or on a platter as an appetizer. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the meatball mixture.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha can elevate the heat.
  • Using a combination of ground beef and ground pork can also add richness to the meatballs.
  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your preference.