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A plate of golden meatballs glazed in sweet and sour sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and colorful bell peppers, perfect for a crowd.

Classic Sweet & Sour Meatballs: Easy Recipe for a Crowd-Pleasing Dinner!

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Discover how to make the best classic sweet & sour meatballs with this easy recipe. Perfect for parties and family dinners. Step-by-step guide included! These tender meatballs coated in a tangy, sweet sauce are sure to impress a crowd. Ideal for weeknight meals, potlucks, or special gatherings, this dish combines juicy meatballs with a vibrant sauce that melts in your mouth. Prepare to enjoy a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will ask for again!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red and green)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into uniformly-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Alternatively, cook in a skillet or slow cooker for convenience.
  4. In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. If thicker sauce is desired, dissolve cornstarch in water and add, stirring until it thickens.
  5. Add pineapple chunks and bell peppers to the sauce, cooking for another 5 minutes. Toss in the cooked meatballs, ensuring they are fully coated. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Use fresh or canned pineapple for optimal flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness or tanginess by modifying the amount of brown sugar or vinegar.
  • For a healthier option, bake or air fry the meatballs instead of traditional baking or frying.
  • Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 Kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg