Sweet and Sour Meatballs

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and a little fun, look no further than Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs coated in a tangy, sticky sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory—this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a family dinner, or for meal prep, these sweet and sour meatballs will hit the spot every time. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, and you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

These meatballs are so versatile—serve them as an appetizer, over rice for a complete meal, or even on a sandwich for something different. Once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Irresistible Flavor Combo

The mix of sweet and sour flavors is what makes this dish so addictive. The sauce is tangy with a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory meatballs. Every bite is a balance of bold, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Easy to Make

No need for complicated steps or fancy techniques here. These meatballs come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy nights when you still want to serve something special.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These meatballs are a hit at parties, family dinners, or even as a meal prep dish for the week. They’re just as tasty served with rice as they are on their own or tucked into a sandwich for a fun twist.

Kid-Friendly

Kids (and adults!) will love the sweet, tangy flavor and tender texture of the meatballs. It’s the kind of dish that everyone can enjoy, from picky eaters to those with a big appetite.

Great for Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), these meatballs keep well in the fridge and can be reheated easily for lunch or dinner the next day. They also freeze wonderfully, making them a great make-ahead option.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Sweet and Sour Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Beef: The base for your meatballs. Use a mix of beef (or ground turkey/chicken if you prefer) for a juicy, flavorful result.
• Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs their texture and help hold them together.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps keep everything together.
• Onion: Adds flavor and sweetness when cooked in the meatballs.
• Garlic: A must for a savory kick.
• Parsley: For some fresh herbal flavor and color.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the meatballs.

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• Ketchup: The base of the sauce that brings a bit of sweetness and tang.
• Brown Sugar: Adds the sweetness that balances the sourness of the vinegar.
• Vinegar: The key to the tangy, sour flavor. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar depending on your taste.
• Soy Sauce: For depth of flavor and a bit of savory umami.
• Mustard: Adds a subtle, zesty note to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it that sticky, glossy texture.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps for making these sweet and sour meatballs:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumb, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as that can make the meatballs tough.

Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Once the sauce is simmering, whisk in the cornstarch mixed with a little water (about 2 tablespoons) to thicken the sauce further. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it’s glossy and sticky.

Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball in the sauce. Let them simmer together for 5-10 minutes on low heat so the meatballs soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the meatballs hot, drizzled with any extra sauce from the pan. You can enjoy them as an appetizer with toothpicks, over rice for a main course, or even in a bun for a tasty meatball sandwich. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 105mg
  Sodium: 1,000mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
  Protein: 26g
  Vitamin A: 4%
  Vitamin C: 5%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Over Rice

Serve these meatballs over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal. The rice will soak up all the delicious sweet and sour sauce, making every bite extra flavorful.

With a Side of Vegetables

Pair these meatballs with steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

In a Sandwich

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on a sub roll or bun to make a delicious meatball sandwich. Top with a bit of cheese and enjoy!

As an Appetizer

These meatballs are perfect for serving as finger food at parties or gatherings. Just skewer each meatball with a toothpick and watch them disappear in no time!

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, just bake them and toss them in the sauce as usual.

Adjust the Sweetness

Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, cut back on the sugar, or add a little extra if you want it sweeter.

Spicy Version

For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce. It’ll balance out the sweetness and make these meatballs a little more exciting!

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Just ensure your sausage and ketchup are also gluten-free.

Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It will make the meatballs a little leaner but still delicious.

Q2: Can I cook the meatballs in a slow cooker?
A2: Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs, cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Q3: Can I make the sauce spicier?
A3: Definitely! Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a bit of heat. Adjust the level of spice to your liking.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
A5: Yes! Ground chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian meatball alternative will work just as well in this recipe.

Q6: Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
A6: Sure! You can use frozen or pre-cooked meatballs if you’re short on time. Just heat them through and coat them with the sauce.

Q7: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can prep the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for 1-2 days before assembling and cooking.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat the meatballs?
A8: Reheat the meatballs gently on the stovetop with the sauce or in the microwave. Just be sure to heat them through so they’re piping hot when served.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, feel free to double the recipe! Just make sure your pan is big enough to cook all the meatballs in batches.

Q10: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
A10: If your sauce is too runny, mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while simmering. Stir until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a winning dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, at a gathering, or just as a snack, these little bites of joy will always satisfy. They’re tangy, sweet, and savory all in one bite—perfectly irresistible! So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!

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