These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are packed with juicy, flavorful ground beef, tossed in a tangy and sweet sauce made with pineapple and stir-fried vegetables. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun party dish, these meatballs can be baked or air-fried and served with rice or noodles. A delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

2 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large onion, shredded or finely chopped
2 large eggs
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

3 tbsp rice vinegar
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
⅓ cup ketchup
1 tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
½ tsp cornstarch
1 tsp salt

For the Stir-Fry:

1 tbsp 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

Directions

Preheat and Prep:
- If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If air frying, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Make the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
Form the Meatballs:
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are evenly shaped for consistent cooking.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Baking Method: Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Air Frying Method: Place meatballs in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
Stir-Fry the Veggies:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Everything:
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the wok and stir until it thickens and turns glossy.
- Add the meatballs and pineapple chunks, tossing everything together.
- Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrients (Per Serving – 1 of 6 Servings)

Calories: 375 kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 603mg
Potassium: 639mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin A: 679 IU
Vitamin C: 37mg
Calcium: 73mg
Iron: 4mg

Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Sour Meatballs

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best elements of Asian-inspired cuisine. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Packed with Flavor – A delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory elements makes every bite mouthwatering.
Easy to Make – Whether you bake, air-fry, or pan-fry, these meatballs come together quickly with minimal effort.
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the balanced flavors and juicy texture of these meatballs.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and store leftovers for an easy reheat-and-eat meal.
Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, stir-fried veggies, or as an appetizer for parties and gatherings.

The Secret to Perfectly Juicy Meatballs

The key to tender and juicy meatballs lies in a few important techniques:

Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly chopped onions and garlic add moisture and enhance the overall flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Gently mix the ingredients until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
Add the Right Binder – Eggs and breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs moist and hold them together.
Evenly Size the Meatballs – This ensures they cook evenly, preventing overcooked or undercooked spots.

The Perfect Sweet and Sour Sauce

The sweet and sour sauce is what makes this dish truly special. It’s made with a balanced combination of vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, and tomato paste, creating a thick, glossy, and flavorful coating for the meatballs.

Here’s why this sauce stands out:

Sweetness from Pineapple and Brown Sugar – Adds a natural fruity flavor without overpowering the dish.
Tanginess from Vinegar and Tomato Paste – Provides the signature zing that balances the sweetness.
Thick and Glossy Texture – A small amount of cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it stick perfectly to the meatballs.

If you like a spicier kick, you can also add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat!

How to Cook These Meatballs

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility in cooking methods. You can choose baking, air-frying, or pan-frying based on your preference:

Baking Method: Cooks the meatballs evenly while reducing the need for extra oil. Perfect for a hands-off approach.
Air-Frying Method: A quick and crispy way to cook meatballs with less oil, making them slightly healthier.
Pan-Frying Method: Gives a golden-brown crust and rich, caramelized flavor, but requires more attention while cooking.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These meatballs are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

Steamed White or Brown Rice – The classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
Fried Rice – Adds an extra layer of texture and taste.
Noodles – Toss the meatballs and sauce with lo mein, udon, or rice noodles for a hearty dish.
Stir-Fried Vegetables – A mix of broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and bell peppers complements the dish beautifully.
Cauliflower Rice or Zoodles – A low-carb option for a lighter meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs store well and can be enjoyed later with the right reheating method:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or microwave until warm.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs separately from the sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan or oven.
Reheating Tips: Warm the meatballs and sauce together in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Customize the Recipe

This recipe is delicious as is, but you can also easily modify it to suit your taste preferences:

Use a Different Protein – Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor.
Make it Vegetarian – Replace meatballs with tofu, lentil balls, or plant-based alternatives.
Add More Vegetables – Extra veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini can be added to the stir-fry.
Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced chilies for heat.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

A Dish That Works for Any Occasion

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are perfect for many occasions, whether you’re serving them as a main dish or an appetizer:

Family Dinner – A comforting and filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
Party Appetizer – Serve on toothpicks for a bite-sized snack that’s always a hit.
Meal Prep – Make in advance and reheat for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
Game Day Snack – A savory and satisfying alternative to classic party foods.

Why These Meatballs Stand Out

What makes this recipe better than others?

A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory – The sauce isn’t too sweet or too sour, making it just right.
Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs – Tender and packed with seasonings, not dry or bland.
Easy and Customizable – You can adjust the spice, sweetness, or protein to fit your preferences.
Versatile Cooking Methods – Bake, air-fry, or pan-fry based on your preference and time available.

Conclusion

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a must-try dish that combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with a vibrant, tangy sauce for a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you’re making them for dinner, meal prep, or a party appetizer, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

With simple ingredients and flexible cooking options, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without much effort. Pair them with rice, noodles, or veggies, and you’ve got a delicious, well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

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