Description
Sweet and Sour Meatballs feature juicy homemade meatballs coated in a tangy pineapple sweet and sour sauce with colorful bell peppers. This family-friendly dish is perfect served over steamed rice or noodles, combining savory and sweet flavors in a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Form the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs: Arrange the formed meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs bake, in a large skillet, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Add fruits and vegetables: Mix in the pineapple chunks and chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Toss meatballs in sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sweet and sour sauce until they are evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Using fresh pineapple chunks adds extra natural sweetness and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
