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A cluster of glazed sweet and sour meatballs on a white plate garnished with green herbs, surrounded by vibrant bell peppers and pineapple chunks, with a glossy sauce coating each meatball and a colorful backdrop highlighting the dish's inviting appearance.

Easy Sweet & Sour Meatballs: Dinner Perfection!

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Discover the irresistible taste of Easy Sweet & Sour Meatballs—perfect for dinner or entertaining, combining tender meatballs with a tangy, sweet sauce. Quick to prepare and versatile, this recipe will become your family favorite!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Shape into 1-inch round meatballs.
  3. Heat a skillet with oil over medium heat, cook meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, whisk together rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then add dissolved cornstarch and cook until thickened.
  5. Add cooked meatballs, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions to the sauce. Gently stir to coat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Use ground chicken or turkey as a leaner alternative.
  • For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari soy sauce.
  • This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Overall Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg