Go Back
–+ servings
Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs That Make Dinner a Breeze

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a comforting classic, ready in under 30 minutes, customizable, and perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Dry Bread Crumbs add more if mixture is too wet
  • 0.5 cup Finely Chopped Onion can use shallots for milder taste
  • 1 large Egg binds the mixture
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar reduce for less sweetness
  • 0.5 cup Water
  • 0.75 cup Ketchup base of the sauce
  • 0.25 cup Apple Cider Vinegar adjust to suit your palate
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch omit for thinner sauce
Optional Ingredients
  • to taste Bell Peppers adds color and crunch
  • to taste Pineapple Chunks great for a tropical twist

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet and Sour Meatballs
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, dry bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, large egg, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter and set aside.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil. Brown the meatballs for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, water, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
  5. Pour sauce over browned meatballs and let simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. If desired, stir in bell peppers or pineapple chunks and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the meatball mixture isn't too wet; add more breadcrumbs if needed. These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!