Oh my goodness, let me tell you about sweet and sour meatballs! These little gems are not just a dish; they’re a family favorite in my house. I remember the first time I made them—it was a rainy evening, and the smell of that tangy sauce bubbling away was enough to make everyone rush to the kitchen! The best part? They’re incredibly versatile! Whether I’m serving them at a cozy dinner with friends or whipping them up for a casual weeknight meal, they never fail to impress. The juicy meatballs are drenched in a delectable sweet and sour sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, you’ll find yourself making sweet and sour meatballs on repeat!
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef – This is the star of the show! You can also use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs and give them that lovely texture.
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped – For that nice onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the meat.
- 1 egg – This is your binding agent, keeping everything together.
- 1/2 cup ketchup – The base of your sweet and sour sauce—sweet, tangy goodness!
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds a rich sweetness that balances the tanginess of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup vinegar – I love using apple cider vinegar for a touch of fruity zing!
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – This adds a savory depth that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season your mixture for the best flavor!
How to Prepare Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Alright, let’s get cooking! Preparing sweet and sour meatballs is super straightforward, and I promise the results are worth every second in the kitchen. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for evenly cooked meatballs that are juicy and tender.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands here; it’s the best way to ensure everything is well-mixed and every meatball is packed with flavor.
- Shape your meatballs: Once everything is mixed, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. If you wet your hands a bit, it makes rolling them easier and less sticky!
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then arrange the meatballs in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. This helps them cook evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. You want that perfect balance of sweet and tangy!
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs: Drizzle or pour the sauce generously over the meatballs, making sure they’re well-coated. It’s okay if some sauce pools at the bottom—trust me, it’s going to bake into deliciousness!
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Keep an eye on them; you want that lovely golden color!
- Serve warm: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed straight away, but they also keep well for leftovers!
And there you have it! Easy peasy sweet and sour meatballs that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Deliciously balanced flavor with sweet and tangy notes.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
- They’re a hit with both kids and adults—everyone loves them!
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your sweet and sour meatballs come out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Uniform size: Try to shape your meatballs to the same size for even cooking. A scoop or your hands works wonders!
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F (70°C) for safe eating. No one wants undercooked meatballs!
- Let them rest: After baking, let the meatballs sit for a few minutes before serving. It helps the flavors settle and makes for a juicier bite.
- Add a twist: Feel free to mix in some chopped herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile. Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate your dish!
With these tips, your sweet and sour meatballs will be a surefire hit at the table!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for these delightful sweet and sour meatballs. Each serving (about 4 meatballs) typically contains:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, but this should give you a good ballpark figure for planning your meals!
FAQ Section
Got questions about sweet and sour meatballs? No worries, I’ve got you covered with some of the most common ones!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
Can I freeze sweet and sour meatballs?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even a fresh green salad. They’re so versatile and can really elevate any meal!
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken work well for a leaner option. You can even use plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have any sweet and sour meatballs left over (which is a big if because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store them properly. First, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy them again later!
When it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. You can pop them in the microwave for a quick fix—just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, if you want that lovely sauce to bubble up again, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Trust me, they’ll taste just as good as the first time you made them!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving sweet and sour meatballs, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing them with fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice, as it soaks up that delicious tangy sauce beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try serving them over noodles—egg noodles or even rice noodles work wonders! For a fresh twist, add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatballs. And don’t forget about some crunchy vegetables, like steamed broccoli or snap peas, for a pop of color and nutrition! Whatever you choose, these meatballs are sure to shine on your table!
Print
Sweet and Sour Meatballs: 7 Irresistible Tips to Wow You
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious dish that combines tender meatballs with a tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs
