Elevate your dinner game with these tangy sweet and sour meatballs! This easy recipe combines juicy ground beef, fresh pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers in a delicious sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, these meatballs are a hit with everyone.
500g ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
![- Ground beef - Breadcrumbs - Parmesan cheese - Egg - Garlic The main ingredients create the base of your sweet and sour meatballs. Ground beef gives the meatballs their hearty flavor. Breadcrumbs add texture, while Parmesan cheese gives a rich taste. An egg binds everything together, making the meatballs easy to shape. Garlic adds a lovely aroma and enhances the flavor. - Sugar - Apple cider vinegar - Ketchup - Soy sauce - Pineapple chunks The sweet and sour sauce brings the dish to life. Sugar balances the tangy apple cider vinegar. Ketchup adds a nice tomato base, while soy sauce gives a savory depth. Pineapple chunks add a burst of sweetness and texture, making the sauce even more enjoyable. - Cornstarch (for thickening) - Water (for thickening) - Bell peppers You can make your sauce thicker by using cornstarch and water. This gives the sauce a nice consistency that clings to the meatballs. Adding bell peppers not only adds color but also gives extra crunch and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above! First, take a large bowl and combine the following ingredients: - 500g ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients gently until they come together. You don’t want to overmix. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. This size helps them cook evenly. Place your meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step ensures that your meatballs cook properly. Once the oven is hot, put your baking sheet with the meatballs inside. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn a nice brown color and be cooked through. While the meatballs bake, let’s make the sweet and sour sauce. In a saucepan, combine: - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup ketchup - 1 teaspoon soy sauce Stir these ingredients on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Then, add in: - 1 cup pineapple chunks - 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper - 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Once the meatballs are done, you can coat them in the sweet and sour sauce or serve the sauce on the side. Enjoy your meal with rice or noodles for a fun and tasty dinner! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. - Ideal meatball size: Aim for meatballs about 1 inch wide. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat. If you make them too big, they may not cook through. If too small, they may dry out. - Ensuring moisture retention: To keep meatballs moist, do not overmix the meat mixture. Mix just until combined. Adding breadcrumbs helps absorb moisture, making them juicy. You can also use milk to soak the breadcrumbs for extra softness. - Balance of sweet and sour flavors: The key to great sauce is balance. Aim for equal parts sugar and vinegar. This gives you that classic sweet and sour taste. Use fresh pineapple for a bright flavor. You can adjust sugar for sweetness and vinegar for tanginess based on your taste. - Tips for thickening: If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the sauce while it simmers. It will thicken quickly, giving you a rich and glossy finish. - Ideal side dishes: Serve sweet and sour meatballs over rice or noodles. They soak up the sauce well. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, make a great side too. You can also try serving with a fresh salad for crunch. - Garnishing options: Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top. This adds color and a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro for a fresh twist. Garnishes make your dish look bright and inviting. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These lean meats provide a lighter taste. Ground turkey may require a bit more seasoning since it has less flavor. Chicken works well too and stays juicy when cooked right. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or chickpeas. These add protein while being tasty and fun. You can mash them up and mix in the same ingredients as the meatballs. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce. This gives a nice kick that balances the sweetness. You can also swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a twist. If you want a healthier option, reduce the sugar and use a sugar substitute. For a tangier sauce, add more vinegar or some fresh lime juice. Add vegetables to your meatballs for extra flavor and nutrition. Chopped spinach or grated carrots blend well into the mix. You can also serve the meatballs over different carbs. Rice is classic, but try noodles or even quinoa for a fresh take. These choices bring variety and make each meal feel special. After you enjoy the sweet and sour meatballs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Meatballs can last about three to four days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce together. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, they can last up to three months. Just remember to label them with the date. When it's time to eat leftovers, you can reheat them in two main ways. The oven is best for even heat. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. The microwave works too, but it can make them a bit soggy. If using the microwave, heat for 1-2 minutes at a time. Check often to avoid overcooking. Keep the flavors and textures intact by not overheating them. Cooked meatballs can stay safe in the fridge for about three to four days. If frozen, they can last for up to three months. Sweet and sour sauce lasts longer. It can stay fresh in the fridge for about one week. If you freeze the sauce, it can last for up to six months. Always check for any off smells or changes before using them. These tips will help keep your sweet and sour meatballs tasty for longer! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just like regular ones. You can also use ground oats or crushed rice crackers. If you want to skip the breadcrumbs, try ground nuts. They add a nice flavor, too. Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Both options give a lighter taste. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or chickpeas. These options are healthy and delicious. These meatballs pair well with rice or noodles. You can also serve them with steamed veggies. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Feel free to get creative with your sides. To add more heat, you can include red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Just a little goes a long way. You can also add minced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. Sweet and sour meatballs are a fun, tasty dish. We covered key ingredients, from meat to sauce. I shared steps for making perfect meatballs and sauce. Remember to balance flavors for the best taste. Feel free to try different meats and sauces to suit your taste. With this guide, your sweet and sour meatballs will impress everyone. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with loved ones.](https://dailydishlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6a38a525-ac29-43e7-bdf8-6ebffeec64fd-300x300.webp)