Easy Sweet And Sour Meatballs

These Easy Sweet And Sour Meatballs are a classic takeout favorite made right in your own kitchen, and they’re better than you can imagine. Tender, juicy meatballs are baked to perfection and then tossed in a vibrant, glossy sweet and sour sauce loaded with chunks of sweet pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and onion. It’s a 30-minute meal that’s bursting with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

This recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on pantry staples to create a rich and flavorful sauce that clings to every meatball. It’s a guaranteed family-pleaser, perfect for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better Than Takeout: All the amazing flavor of your favorite Chinese restaurant dish, made fresh at home.
• Quick & Easy: A straightforward recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Irresistible Sauce: The sweet and tangy sauce with chunks of pineapple and peppers is completely addictive.
• Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1.5 lbs Ground Pork or Ground Chicken
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1 (20 oz) can Pineapple Chunks in 100% juice
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup Rice Vinegar
• 3 tablespoons Ketchup
• 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch, mixed with 3 tablespoons of cold water (slurry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving all of the juice in a separate bowl.
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Shape and Bake: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
4. Sauté Vegetables: While the meatballs bake, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until crisp-tender.
5. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
6. Thicken and Combine: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the pineapple chunks.
7. Serve: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat them completely in the sweet and sour sauce. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• Pro Tip: For extra-tender meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Stovetop Method: If you prefer, you can pan-fry the meatballs in a tablespoon of oil instead of baking them. Cook them in batches until browned and cooked through.
• Make it Spicy: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Different Protein: Ground chicken or turkey can be used in place of pork for a leaner option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen meatballs?
  • Yes, for a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Bake them according to the package directions, then toss them in the homemade sauce.
• How do I store leftovers?
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave.
• Can I make this gluten-free?
  • Absolutely. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs in the meatballs and substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos in both the meatballs and the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these sweet and sour meatballs hot over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up all of that delicious, glossy sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a fresh finish.

Abby

Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Juicy homemade meatballs tossed in a glossy sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and peppers. Quick, cozy, and better than takeout any night of the week, this family favorite is ready in just 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 36 meatballs

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large onion, shredded or finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Air fryer or oven
• Medium bowl
• Wok or large pan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into golf ball-sized meatballs.
2. Cook the meatballs. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, or bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high. Add onion and bell peppers, sauté 1 minute. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until aromatic.
5. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until thick and glossy.
6. Add cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the wok. Toss everything together well and cook for 2 more minutes. Serve immediately over rice.

Notes

Recipe yields about 36 meatballs. Taste and adjust sauce before adding meatballs: add sugar if too tangy, vinegar if too sweet. Make ahead by prepping meatballs or sauce earlier. Freezes well, raw or cooked. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen sauce. Chef’s tip: always test one meatball for quality control!