Description
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe combines juicy baked beef meatballs with a tangy and flavorful sauce made from apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, and a blend of spices. Tossed with colorful bell peppers and onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice, making it an ideal meal for a quick weeknight dinner that serves 6.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 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
Sauce
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons oil
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup diced onion
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Meatball Mixture: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, minced onion, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape and Bake Meatballs: Scoop the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and roll them gently. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray them with oil. Bake for 15 minutes, rotating halfway through, until they are fully cooked and browned.
- Prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, sriracha, cornstarch, and water until smooth and cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and diced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Meatballs with Sauce and Simmer: Add the baked meatballs and the prepared sweet and sour sauce to the skillet with the vegetables. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs and vegetables nicely, about 4-5 minutes. Add a little water to thin the sauce if necessary.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of sriracha to taste.
- You can substitute beef mince with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking of meatballs.
- Adjust sugar quantity in the sauce to balance the sweetness based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
