Description
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delightful combination of flavors that can utterly transform your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef – Rich and juicy, though chicken or turkey works too.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps lock in moisture and keeps them tender.
- Eggs – Binds everything together for the perfect texture.
- Seasoning – Garlic powder, salt, and pepper for classic flavor.
- Onion – Shredded or finely chopped for extra juiciness.
- For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- Rice vinegar – Imparts the signature tang (apple cider vinegar works too).
- Ketchup & tomato paste – Provide sweetness and depth.
- Brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- Pineapple juice – From the canned pineapple for a natural sweetness boost.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to achieve that glossy finish.
- Chicken broth – Lightens the sauce and adds flavor.
- Stir-Fry Add-Ins:
- Bell peppers – Red and green for that vibrant takeout-style look and crunch.
- Onion & garlic – Creates an aromatic base for the sauce.
- Pineapple chunks – Fresh, sweet, and tangy accents in every bite.
Instructions
- Begin by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onions, and seasonings in a sizable mixing bowl. Gently mix the ingredients until they’re just combined; be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to dense meatballs. Once mixed, scoop and roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls — about one inch in diameter works best.
- If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 380°F and place the meatballs in the basket. Cook them for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For oven enthusiasts, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, whisk up the vibrant sweet and sour sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rice vinegar, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, chicken broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in your chopped bell peppers and onions. Sauté these for about a minute until softened, then sprinkle in some minced garlic for great aroma. Pour in the sweet and sour sauce, stirring it into the mix, and cook until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy sheen.
- Add the cooked meatballs and the pineapple chunks to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until each meatball is well coated in the sweet and sour sauce.
Notes
Make a big batch and freeze the meatballs before cooking. Thaw and bake them directly from the freezer for quick dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Protein: 24 g