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A close-up of a white plate filled with golden-brown meatballs coated in a glossy, vibrant red sweet and sour sauce, garnished with finely chopped green onions. The meatballs are arranged neatly, showing their juicy texture and crispy exterior, with a background of a serving spoon and colorful bell peppers hinting at the ingredients used.

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

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Discover the irresistible flavor of classic sweet & sour meatballs with this easy and crowd-pleasing recipe! Juicy meatballs coated in a tangy, sweet sauce make this dish perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or holiday celebrations. Simple to prepare with straightforward ingredients, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until browned and cooked through, or pan-fry in oil until evenly browned.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple, bell peppers, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Slowly add the cornstarch-water mixture while stirring until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Simmer together for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness or acidity by modifying sugar or vinegar quantities.
  • For gluten-free, replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Contains gluten, Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg