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Sweet & Sour Meatballs Recipe

Easy Sweet & Sour Meatballs Recipe

This Easy Sweet & Sour Meatballs recipe combines juicy homemade meatballs with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large onion shredded or finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice from canned pineapple
  • ½ teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Main Ingredients:

  • 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
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of golf balls.

Cook the Meatballs:

  • Air Fryer Method: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
  • -Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt. Set this delicious sauce aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In a large wok or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 1 minute.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine Everything:

  • Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the wok and stir well. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the wok. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

Serve:

  • Remove from heat and serve the sweet and sour meatballs immediately over rice for a delightful meal.

Notes

Notes:
  • For a twist, try adding other vegetables like snap peas or carrots to the mix.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Keyword easy sweet and sour meatballs recipe