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- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned for extra flavor) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey works great too. The breadcrumbs add texture, while the Parmesan gives a lovely cheesy taste. Fresh parsley brightens the meatballs and adds color. Garlic and onion powders offer a savory kick, which is essential for flavor. - 1 cup juicy pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) The sweet and sour sauce is the star of this dish. Pineapple chunks bring sweetness and tang, while the bell pepper and onion add crunch. Sugar balances the vinegar's acidity and gives a sweet taste. Soy sauce deepens the flavor, and cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, making it cling to the meatballs. {{ingredient_image_2}} In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to blend everything well. This helps the flavors spread evenly. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add a splash of water. You want it to stick together but not be too wet. Now, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between them so they can brown. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. While the meatballs bake, let's make the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Also, add the cornstarch mixed with water. Stir well to blend everything. This will be the base of your sauce. Place the saucepan on medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring often. You want it to thicken, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it's ready. If it gets too thick, add a little water to loosen it up. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the pineapple chunks, chopped red bell pepper, and onion. Cook this for about 5 to 7 minutes. The veggies should soften but still have a bit of crunch. Finally, add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball. Let them simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Enjoy your sweet and sour meatballs over rice for a tasty meal! To get the best meatballs, ensure they cook evenly. - Roll the meatballs to about 1 inch in size. - Place them on a baking sheet with space between each ball. - Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This helps them brown nicely. To avoid dry meatballs, don’t overmix. - Mix just until combined. - Adding breadcrumbs and an egg keeps them moist. You can adjust the sauce sweetness easily. - Add more sugar for a sweeter taste. - Use less vinegar for a milder flavor. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. - Opt for ripe pineapple chunks. - Use fresh bell pepper and onion for crispness. Pair your meatballs with fun side dishes. - Fluffy steamed rice is a great match. - Serve with crunchy stir-fried veggies for added color. For presentation, think about how to make it pop. - Garnish with green onions or parsley. - Arrange meatballs on a colorful plate for a feast for the eyes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pineapple and bell peppers for a burst of flavor and vibrant color in your dish. Mix Thoroughly: Ensure that all ingredients in the meatball mixture are well combined for even flavor distribution throughout the meatballs. Control the Sauce Thickness: Keep an eye on the sauce while it thickens; you can add a bit more water if it becomes too thick for your liking. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve the sweet and sour meatballs right after cooking for a delightful dining experience. {{image_4}} You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These options reduce fat and calories. They keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful. For the sauce, try low-sugar versions. You can use honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Both add a nice taste without the extra sugar. You can explore using pork for a richer flavor. Vegetarian meatballs are also a great choice. Use black beans, lentils, or chickpeas as the base. Each option brings a unique taste and texture. You can also play with flavors from different cuisines. Think about adding spices like cumin or coriander for a twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the sauce. Try adding fruits like mango or apricot for sweetness. You can also toss in vegetables like carrots or zucchini. This makes the dish even more colorful and healthy. Experiment with spices and herbs, too. A pinch of ginger or chili flakes can add a nice kick. To store your sweet and sour meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This method helps keep them fresh. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Use a freezer-safe bag or container, and remove as much air as you can. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, you want to keep the flavor intact. One good method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat the meatballs in 30-second bursts. Check if they are hot throughout. In the fridge, sweet and sour meatballs last about three days. If they sit longer, they may spoil. Look for signs like an off smell or any mold. If you see these signs, it’s best to discard them. Always trust your senses! To make sweet and sour meatballs, follow these steps: 1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, mix 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. 2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 3. Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked. 4. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and a cornstarch-water mix. Stir and heat until thick. 5. Add Vegetables: Stir in 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup onion into the sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes. 6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. This recipe serves four and takes about 50 minutes. You can use several alternatives to breadcrumbs: - Crushed crackers: They add crunch and flavor. - Oats: Rolled oats are a healthy option. - Cooked rice: Use leftover rice for a unique twist. - Ground nuts: Almond or walnut flour can work well. These options help bind the meatballs while adding texture. Yes, you can prepare sweet and sour meatballs ahead of time. Here’s how: - Make the Meatballs: Follow the recipe to shape the meatballs. - Store Uncooked Meatballs: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. - Cook Later: Bake the frozen meatballs directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For the sauce, prepare it in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to three days. Sweet and sour meatballs pair well with these sides: - Steamed rice: A classic choice to soak up the sauce. - Noodles: Serve over rice noodles for a different flavor. - Vegetable stir-fry: Adds color and nutrition. - Salad: A fresh side balances the meal. These options make your meal colorful and delicious. Enjoy cooking! In this blog post, we explored how to make sweet and sour meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. I shared variations for healthier options and creative sides to enhance your dish. To wrap up, making sweet and sour meatballs is easy and fun. With practice and a few tips, you can impress anyone at the table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to find your perfect recipe. Happy cooking!

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Delight

A delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors with tender meatballs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup juicy pineapple chunks
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well integrated.
  • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and the cornstarch-water mixture. Stir well to blend.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the pineapple chunks, chopped red bell pepper, and onion into the thickened sauce and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the pan with the sweet and sour sauce and gently stir to coat.
  • Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an extra 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and parsley.
Keyword dinner, meatballs, sweet and sour