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Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe features tender ground beef meatballs cooked to perfection and coated in a tangy, flavorful sauce made from rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and pineapple juice. Paired with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple chunks, these meatballs are a delicious balance of sweet and savory perfect for serving over steamed rice. The dish can be conveniently prepared using an air fryer or oven for cooking the meatballs, making it a versatile, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large onion (shredded or finely chopped)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
  • ½ teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Vegetables and Add-ins

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs into the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and both colored bell peppers, cooking for about 1 minute until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Cook Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the wok with vegetables. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens to a glossy finish.
  6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs along with pineapple chunks to the wok. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat afterward.
  7. Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For even cooking, shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time when air frying meatballs.
  • If baking meatballs in the oven, line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
  • The cornstarch helps thicken the sweet and sour sauce to a glossy consistency; ensure you whisk it well to avoid lumps.
  • Feel free to adjust the brown sugar or vinegar to taste if you prefer the sauce more or less sweet or tangy.
  • Pineapple juice and chunks add natural sweetness and a tropical flavor; canned pineapple works well for convenience.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, meatball recipe, air fryer meatballs, sweet and sour sauce, easy dinner, pineapple meatballs

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/sweet-and-sour-meatballs-recipe/