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- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced In this recipe, I often use ground beef or turkey. They both add great flavor and texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the meat together, while Parmesan cheese gives a nice savory taste. Don't forget the onion and garlic; they add depth to your meatballs. The egg keeps everything moist and helps the meatballs hold their shape. - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening) - 1/2 cup pineapple chunks - 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers For the sweet and sour sauce, I combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. This mix creates a perfect balance of flavors. Apple cider vinegar adds tang and brightness. If you want your sauce thicker, use cornstarch. Pineapple chunks and chopped bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch, making each bite exciting. - Sliced green onions - Sesame seeds Adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds makes the dish pop. They add color and a bit of crunch. You can sprinkle them right before serving for the best look. Enjoy making your sweet and sour meatballs a fun family meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste Mix everything well. Make sure to blend all the ingredients until they are evenly combined. Use your hands for the best results. This helps the meatballs hold together. If you overmix, they may turn tough. Just mix until you see no dry spots. Next, shape the mixture into meatballs. Aim for 1-inch balls. This size helps them cook evenly. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space between them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting one open. It should not be pink inside. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional) Stir well to mix. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes. You want it to thicken slightly. If you find it too thin, add more cornstarch. If it’s too thick, just add a little water. This sauce will bring the sweet and sour flavor to your meatballs. To avoid dryness, use a mix of beef and breadcrumbs. This keeps the meatballs juicy. Make them about one inch wide. Bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes. Check they are golden brown and firm. If they feel too soft, they need more time. Taste your sauce as you cook. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of vinegar. If it’s too sour, stir in a little brown sugar. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use ripe pineapple and colorful bell peppers for the best taste. Serve meatballs on a bed of fluffy rice. This makes a nice base. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. For fun, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds crunch and looks great! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and bell peppers not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color to your dish. Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference for a sweeter or tangier sauce. Experiment with Proteins: Try using ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives for different flavor profiles. Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change makes the meatballs lighter. Ground turkey keeps the taste but cuts down on fat. If you prefer plant-based, use lentils or chickpeas. These options can make delicious vegetarian or vegan meatballs. Just add some oats or breadcrumbs to help bind them. The sweet and sour sauce can change with different fruits. Try mango, peach, or even orange for a fresh twist. Each fruit adds a unique flavor. Want a kick? Add some sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. This gives the dish a spicy kick that many enjoy. For a fun party treat, make meatball skewers. Just thread cooked meatballs onto sticks with bell peppers and pineapple. Serve with the sauce on the side. You can also put meatballs in sandwiches or wraps. This creates a hearty meal that everyone loves. After enjoying your sweet and sour meatballs, store leftovers safely. Place them in an airtight container. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy your meatballs again, reheat them properly. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in short bursts. Stir in between to keep them moist. This way, they will stay flavorful and tender. Making meatballs ahead is a great idea. You can shape them and freeze them before cooking. Place the raw meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them for an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. Label the bag with the date. For cooking, bake them straight from the freezer. This saves time on busy days. You can use oats or crushed crackers. Both options work well in meatballs. Oats add a wholesome touch. Crushed crackers give a nice crunch. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a twist. Just use the same amount as breadcrumbs. Yes, you can absolutely use a slow cooker. To do this, first, shape your meatballs and then brown them in a skillet. This step adds flavor. After browning, place them in the slow cooker. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over them. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the meatballs very tender. Check the meatballs for a few signs. They should be browned on the outside. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). If you cut one open, it should be no longer pink. These tips help ensure you serve safe and delicious meatballs. Sweet and sour meatballs are a tasty dish everyone can enjoy. We covered the main ingredients, from the meatballs to the sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for making them, including tips for texture and flavor. You can even customize the recipe with variations in protein or sauce. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Whether for a family meal or a party, these meatballs are sure to please. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy this dish that blends sweet and sour flavors perfectly!

Sweet and Sour Delight Meatballs

A delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors with tender meatballs, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 unit egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), chopped
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • to taste sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir well to combine, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Add in the pineapple chunks and chopped bell peppers. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
  • Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor. Serve the meatballs on a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables.

Notes

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a colorful presentation.
Keyword dinner, meatballs, sweet and sour