Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs: A Classic Comfort Dinner in 40 Minutes

Homemade Sweet and Sour Meatballs – A Classic American Comfort Dish

These sweet and sour meatballs are the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that will delight your taste buds. This easy dinner recipe transforms simple ground beef into juicy meatballs simmered in a thick, glossy sauce that coats each bite perfectly.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Sour Meatballs

There’s something irresistible about the combination of savory beef meatballs and a glossy, sweet-tangy sauce. This recipe delivers:

• Perfect balance of flavors – The sauce hits all the right notes: sweet, tangy, and savory
• Quick preparation – Ready in under an hour for busy weeknights
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love these flavorful meatballs
• Versatile serving options – Great with rice, noodles, or as an appetizer

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (optional)

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1. Prepare the Meatballs

   In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently until just combined – overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

2. Shape the Meatballs

   Using clean hands, roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs from 1 pound of beef.

3. Brown the Meatballs

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point.

4. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce

   In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves completely.

5. Thicken the Sauce

   Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce

   Return all the browned meatballs to the skillet. Pour the thickened sauce over them. If using bell peppers and pineapple, add them now. Gently stir to coat everything in sauce.

7. Simmer to Finish Cooking

   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.

8. Serve

   Serve hot over white rice, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• Don’t overmix the meat mixture or your meatballs will be tough rather than tender.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
• Brown in batches to ensure each meatball gets proper caramelization.
• Taste and adjust the sauce – add more vinegar for tanginess or brown sugar for sweetness.
• Make ahead – these meatballs taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Variations on Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Party appetizer: Make mini meatballs and serve with toothpicks.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
• Extra vegetables: Add diced carrots, onions, or water chestnuts to the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These sweet and sour meatballs store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Can I make these sweet and sour meatballs in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meatballs first, then add them to your slow cooker along with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Yes! For a quick shortcut, use about 1.5 pounds of frozen, fully-cooked meatballs. Just add them directly to the sauce and simmer until heated through.

What makes the sauce both sweet and sour?

The sweetness comes from brown sugar (and sometimes pineapple), while the sourness comes from vinegar. The balance between these two elements creates that classic sweet and sour flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! These meatballs actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. They reheat beautifully for a quick weeknight dinner.

Perfect Sweet and Sour Meatballs: A Family Favorite

These homemade sweet and sour meatballs bring together the perfect balance of tangy sauce and savory beef in one delicious dish. Whether served over rice for a satisfying dinner or offered as a party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike. The combination of tender meatballs and glossy, flavor-packed sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting – exactly what you want from a sweet and sour dish!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes