Sweet and sour meatballs are a flavorful fusion of tangy sauce and savory meatballs, making them a favorite at family gatherings and parties. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful taste that appeals to all ages. Serve them over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 4 meatballs with sauce) contains about 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 25g fat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until fully combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers to the sauce.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan.
- Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving and Pairings
Sweet and sour meatballs can be served over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the meat mixture can lead to tough meatballs.
- Not preheating the oven can result in uneven cooking.
- Using too much sauce can make the dish overly sweet.
- Not allowing the meatballs to rest can make them fall apart.
- Skipping the baking step can lead to greasy meatballs.
Helpful Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- Experiment with different sauces for variety.
- For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
- Let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a bit to absorb flavors.
FAQs
Can I make sweet and sour meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine just before serving.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe.
How spicy is sweet and sour sauce?
Traditional sweet and sour sauce is typically mild. You can adjust the spice level by adding chili paste or red pepper flakes.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used; just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
What sides go well with sweet and sour meatballs?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Sweet and sour meatballs offer a perfect combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the satisfaction of a delicious meal that brings everyone together!
Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell peppers diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until fully combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers to the sauce.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan.
- Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes before serving.