Name: Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound beef mince; 1 finely minced onion; ¾ cup breadcrumbs; 1 whisked egg; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ½ cup apple cider vinegar; ½ cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup sugar; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ cup water; 2 teaspoons oil; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup diced yellow bell pepper; 1 cup diced onion

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table, look no further than this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe. These succulent beef meatballs, bathed in a tangy and vibrant sauce loaded with colorful bell peppers and onions, offer a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and savory in every bite. It’s a fantastic recipe that’s simple to prepare yet feels like a celebration on your plate, making it ideal for weekday dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a silver metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are about twelve browned meatballs spaced apart in rows. Each meatball has a round shape with a slightly rough texture and a golden brown color on top from cooking, with some areas showing darker crisp spots. The meatballs have a moist, cooked look and are evenly sized. The scene has natural light highlighting the meatballs’ shiny surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential for creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy beef and aromatic spices in the meatballs to the lively, tangy sauce that gives the dish its signature character.

1 pound beef mince: The juicy base that forms tender, flavorful meatballs.
1 finely minced onion: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the meat mixture.
¾ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them light and fluffy.
1 whisked egg: Acts as a natural binder for the meatballs.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory undertone.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky note and color.
¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors evenly.
½ teaspoon pepper: Provides just the right amount of spice.
½ cup apple cider vinegar: Offers the tartness that defines the sweet and sour sauce.
½ cup pineapple juice: Lends sweetness and tropical brightness.
¼ cup sugar: Balances the acidity with a gentle sweetness.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Deepens the saucy flavor with tomato richness.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds salty umami complexity to the sauce.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings a subtle spicy kick to wake up your taste buds.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a luscious glaze.
½ cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and balance the sauce’s consistency.
2 teaspoons oil: For sautéing the peppers and onions, unlocking their natural sweetness.
½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds color and a crisp, sweet crunch.
½ cup diced yellow bell pepper: Brings sunny brightness and texture.
1 cup diced onion: Adds body and a caramelized sweetness when sautéed.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures your meatballs cook evenly and don’t stick. In a large bowl, combine the beef mince with the finely minced onion, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well creates the perfect texture and flavor foundation for your meatballs.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Using about 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball, roll them into uniform balls for even cooking. Place these on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray them with a little oil so they brown beautifully. Bake for 15 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the meatballs are fully cooked and have developed a lovely golden crust.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

While the meatballs bake, prepare the vibrant sauce that makes this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe truly shine. Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sriracha, cornstarch, and water in a separate bowl until smooth. This mixture combines tang, sweet, and a bit of heat, setting the flavor tone for the entire dish.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables and Combine

Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a skillet on high heat, then add the diced red and yellow bell peppers along with the onion. Cook for about two minutes until they soften and release their juicy sweetness. Add the freshly baked meatballs along with the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, thickening and soaking into the meatballs and vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little water to reach the perfect consistency.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

A white plate with a layer of fluffy white rice as the base, topped with four glossy brown meatballs covered in a thick dark brown sauce. Scattered among the meatballs are bright yellow pineapple chunks and pieces of red bell pepper, all mixed with translucent onion slices coated lightly in sauce. A silver fork resting on the edge of the plate holds a piece of red bell pepper. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add a fresh contrast, sprinkle chopped green onions or finely sliced fresh cilantro over the meatballs just before serving. Toasted sesame seeds also add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that pairs exceptionally well with the tangy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of the sweet and sour sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp Asian-style slaw or simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas to balance the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun and shareable meals, serve these meatballs on skewers with chunks of bell pepper and onion nestled between, creating colorful and eye-catching bites. Alternatively, pile the meatballs on a platter with extra sauce and garnish with fresh herbs for a family-style dinner everyone can dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, giving you a quick, flavorful meal option for busy nights.

Freezing

This Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe freezes wonderfully. Lay the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, along with the sauce. Frozen meatballs are best used within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, thaw the frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly without drying out the meatballs. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help refresh the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be a leaner alternative that works well with this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as poultry meatballs may cook faster and tend to be more delicate.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of orange juice or apple juice. Both will add a sweet fruity note that complements the sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari works great). This adjustment keeps the dish accessible without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe?

The recipe includes sriracha, which adds a gentle heat that brightens the flavors without overwhelming the palate. You can always adjust the amount or omit it to suit your spice preference.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Definitely! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This helps save time when you want a quicker cooking process on mealtime.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors to the table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these meatballs create a comforting and colorful centerpiece. Give this recipe a go—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone will be asking for again and again.