Easy Sweet Sour Meatballs (Printer-Friendly Page)
Juicy sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple and peppers—ideal for weeknights or party platters.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 lb ground beef
02 -
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 -
1/4 cup finely chopped brown onion
04 -
2 large eggs
05 -
1 tsp garlic powder
06 -
1/2 tsp salt
07 -
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Sweet and Sour Sauce
08 -
1/3 cup rice vinegar
09 -
1/3 cup brown sugar
10 -
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
11 -
1/4 cup ketchup
12 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
13 -
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
14 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
15 -
1/4 tsp salt
→ Vegetables and Finishing
16 -
2 tbsp vegetable oil
17 -
1/2 cup chopped brown onion
18 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
19 -
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
20 -
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
21 -
1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. For air fryer, preheat to 380°F (193°C) if required by manufacturer.
02 -
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
03 -
Form the meat mixture into uniform golf ball-sized portions, adjusting moisture with breadcrumbs or egg as needed.
04 -
Bake meatballs on prepared sheet for 20–25 minutes or air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
05 -
Whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
06 -
Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and bell peppers for 1 minute, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
07 -
Pour sauce into the wok and cook until thickened. Add cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks, toss to coat, and cook for 2 minutes.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
To prevent meatballs from falling apart, ensure the correct ratio of egg to breadcrumbs; adjust consistency as needed.
02 -
Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs and an instant-read thermometer to verify internal temperature of 160°F (74°C).
03 -
Add a tablespoon of sriracha or sliced jalapeños for a spicy variation.