Easy Sweet Sour Meatballs

These sweet and sour meatballs bring a fresh twist to classic comfort food. Juicy beef meatballs get tossed in a tangy sauce with stir-fried bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, creating a dish bursting with flavor and perfect for any weeknight dinner or party snack. Whether you choose to bake or air fry the meatballs, this recipe is quick and straightforward with a result that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made these during a busy week and loved how they were both comforting and fun to eat My kids now request them regularly as a special treat

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Choose fresh ground beef with a good fat content for juicy meatballs Ground pork or turkey can be used but may need extra moisture
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or panko breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs without adding extra flavor
• Onion: Brown onions add sweetness but any onion you have on hand will work well
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold everything together For best results use room temperature eggs
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth Make sure to use garlic powder not garlic salt to control seasoning
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the meatball flavor
• Rice Vinegar: Adds mild acidity that brightens the sauce without overpowering it
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and a hint of molasses that balances the tanginess
• Chicken Broth: Low sodium is best to control saltiness and add savory richness to the sauce
• Ketchup: Contributes umami and thickens the sauce slightly
• Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor helping to marry all the sauce ingredients
• Pineapple Juice: Use juice from canned pineapple chunks for sweetness and tropical flavor
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating for the meatballs and veggies
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying the vegetables Choose a neutral oil like peanut oil for a higher smoke point
• Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic cloves for the best flavor in the stir-fry
• Bell Peppers: Red and green add color sweetness and crunch but feel free to use any colors you like
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds bursts of sweetness and texture that complement the sauce and meatballs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat And Prep The Pan:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat if baking Alternatively preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit based on your model’s instructions

Make The Meat Mixture:

Combine ground beef breadcrumbs chopped onion eggs garlic powder salt and pepper in a large bowl Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated

Form The Meatballs:

Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking If the mixture feels too wet add more breadcrumbs If too dry add a little beaten egg gradually until the texture holds

Cook The Meatballs:

For baking arrange meatballs on the prepared sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until browned and cooked through For air frying place meatballs in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10 minutes shaking halfway through

Make The Sauce:

While the meatballs cook whisk together rice vinegar brown sugar chicken broth ketchup tomato paste pineapple juice cornstarch and salt until smooth and well combined

Stir Fry The Veggies:

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat Add chopped onions and bell peppers and stir fry for about one minute Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant

Finish The Dish:

Pour the sauce into the wok with the vegetables and cook until it thickens and becomes glossy Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks Toss gently to coat everything in sauce Cook for two more minutes then remove from heat Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles

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My favorite part is the pineapple which adds a surprising sweet burst that keeps the dish lively Every family gathering I bring this to it disappears fast and always sparks compliments

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days To reheat gently microwave or warm on the stovetop in a skillet Freezing is easy and the meatballs keep their flavor well for up to five months Just thaw overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef but add moisture with a splash of milk or extra egg to prevent dryness Brown sugar can be swapped with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener Bell peppers can be replaced with snap peas or carrots for a different crunch

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are delicious served over steamed jasmine or basmati rice They also pair well with egg noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a little extra flair

Cultural Context

Sweet and sour flavors are a beloved combination in many Asian cuisines The idea of turning this into meatballs is a playful fusion that brings familiar tastes into a new form that’s fun for the whole family

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well, though it's leaner, so the meatballs may be slightly drier. Add a bit more egg or oil if needed.

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can form and refrigerate them up to a day in advance or freeze them before or after cooking.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the microwave on medium power or warm gently on the stove in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

→ Can I fry the meatballs instead of baking or air frying?

Yes, pan-fry them in a bit of oil until browned and cooked through for a crispier texture.

→ Is it possible to make the sauce spicier?

Yes, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir-fry sliced chili peppers with the veggies.