Sweet and Sour Meatballs Flavorful and Easy Recipe

by Emily on July 10, 2025

Welcome to a delightful world of flavor! Today, I’m excited to share my easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe. You’ll learn how to create tender meatballs packed with taste and coated in a tangy sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll transform a classic dish into a family favorite. Let’s dive in and make cooking fun and delicious!

$- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup pineapple chunks - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1/2 cup onion, chopped - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water To make sweet and sour meatballs, we need a few key ingredients. First, we start with the main protein. You can use ground beef for a rich flavor or turkey for a lighter dish. Next, we need breadcrumbs and cheese. Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of flavor. Don't forget the fresh parsley, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. These enhance taste and help bind the meatballs. Salt and pepper will round out the flavors. For the sweet and sour sauce, we have fruit and vegetables. Pineapple chunks give a sweet burst, while chopped red bell pepper and onion add crunch. Finally, we mix sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce for that signature sweet and sour taste. The cornstarch and water will help thicken the sauce, making it perfect for coating the meatballs. Gather these items, and you will be ready to create a delicious dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add in ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients together until they become one nice mixture. It should feel sticky but hold together. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and keeps the meatballs from sticking. Now, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is very important. It makes sure the meatballs cook evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness. The meatballs should be browned and cooked through. You can cut one in half to check if it's fully cooked inside. While the meatballs are baking, you can make the sweet and sour sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup of soy sauce. Mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch that is mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This will help thicken the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. After a few minutes, it will thicken up nicely. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once thickened, add in 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1 chopped red bell pepper, and ½ cup of chopped onion. Cook this for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies soften a bit. When the meatballs are ready, carefully add them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. This is where the magic happens! Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Mixing meatball ingredients well is key. If you overmix, the meatballs can be tough. Use your hands to gently combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices. This keeps them light and tender. You can bake or fry meatballs. Baking is easier and less messy. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lined sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Frying gives a nice crisp. Heat oil in a pan and cook until browned on all sides. If your sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in while the sauce simmers. If it's too thick, slowly add water or more vinegar until you reach your desired texture. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh ginger or a splash of pineapple juice. These add a nice twist to the sweet and sour taste. Serve sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of steamed rice. This absorbs the sauce and makes the dish filling. For a pop of color, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top. Arrange the meatballs in a bowl with sauce around them. This creates a nice visual appeal. You can also add slices of red pepper and pineapple on the side for extra color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and quality ground meat can significantly enhance the flavor of your meatballs, making them more delicious and aromatic. Experiment with Sauces: Try adding different ingredients to the sauce, such as ginger or chili flakes, for an extra kick and customization to suit your taste preferences. Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made in advance and frozen. Simply reheat in the sauce before serving for a quick meal option. Serve with Sides: Pair the meatballs with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal. {{image_2}} You can switch the meat in sweet and sour meatballs. Ground chicken or turkey works great. These options are lighter and still tasty. You can find them in most stores. If you want a vegetarian meal, use lentils or chickpeas. There are many recipes for vegetarian meatballs online. They use beans, quinoa, or veggies. You can change the sauce too. Try adding fruits like mango or peach. They give a unique taste. You can also use different veggies. Carrots or broccoli can make the dish colorful. If you want a low-sugar option, use a sugar substitute. Look for gluten-free soy sauce if needed. This keeps your dish friendly for all diets. Sweet and sour meatballs can pair with many sides. Serve them over rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. If you have leftovers, use them in a sandwich or salad. They can add a fun twist to your meal. You can even put them in a wrap for lunch! To keep your sweet and sour meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge right away. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. You can separate the meatballs from the sauce if you prefer. This helps keep them from getting too soggy. - Best practices for refrigeration: Store leftovers within two hours of cooking. This keeps them safe to eat. - Recommended storage containers: Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Make sure they are clean and dry before putting in the meatballs. When you're ready to enjoy those leftovers, you have a few options. You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. - Methods for reheating: - Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat in short intervals until warm. - Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Stovetop: Use a skillet. Add a little sauce to the pan. Heat on medium, stirring gently until warmed through. - Tips to maintain flavor and texture: Add a splash of water or sauce when reheating. This keeps the meatballs juicy and tasty. If you've made too many meatballs or want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. - How to freeze meatballs and sauce separately: Let them cool completely first. Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For the sauce, put it in a separate container. - Thawing and reheating frozen meatballs: When you're ready, thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave. Then follow the reheating tips above to enjoy them again. You can use crushed crackers or oats instead of breadcrumbs. Both options work well. They give your meatballs a nice texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or ground flaxseed. These will keep your meatballs moist and tasty. Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form them and bake them. Let them cool and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave when you are ready to serve. Steamed rice is a classic choice. It soaks up the sauce well. You can also serve them with noodles or a fresh salad. Both options add great flavor and balance to the meal. For a twist, try serving them with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for heat. You can also mix in some sriracha or hot sauce into the sweet and sour sauce. For extra spice, chop up jalapeños and add them to the sauce. Adjust the heat to match your taste! In this post, I covered how to make delicious sweet and sour meatballs. We started by listing the key ingredients, including meat, breadcrumbs, and sauce components. I then shared step-by-step instructions, from mixing ingredients to baking meatballs and making the sauce. To finish, I offered cooking tips, variations, and storage advice. Now you can impress your family with this easy dish. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with flavors. Your sweet and sour meatballs will be a hit!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The balance of sweet and tangy flavors from the sauce perfectly complements the savory meatballs.
Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute turkey for ground beef or add more veggies based on your preference.
Family-Friendly Dish: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these meatballs, making it a hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup pineapple chunks

– 1 red bell pepper, chopped

– 1/2 cup onion, chopped

– 1/2 cup sugar

– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

To make sweet and sour meatballs, we need a few key ingredients. First, we start with the main protein. You can use ground beef for a rich flavor or turkey for a lighter dish.

Next, we need breadcrumbs and cheese. Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of flavor.

Don’t forget the fresh parsley, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. These enhance taste and help bind the meatballs. Salt and pepper will round out the flavors.

For the sweet and sour sauce, we have fruit and vegetables. Pineapple chunks give a sweet burst, while chopped red bell pepper and onion add crunch.

Finally, we mix sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce for that signature sweet and sour taste. The cornstarch and water will help thicken the sauce, making it perfect for coating the meatballs.

Gather these items, and you will be ready to create a delicious dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs

To start, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add in ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all these ingredients together until they become one nice mixture. It should feel sticky but hold together. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and keeps the meatballs from sticking.

Baking the Meatballs

Now, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is very important. It makes sure the meatballs cook evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness. The meatballs should be browned and cooked through. You can cut one in half to check if it’s fully cooked inside.

Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, you can make the sweet and sour sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup of soy sauce. Mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch that is mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This will help thicken the sauce.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. After a few minutes, it will thicken up nicely. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once thickened, add in 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1 chopped red bell pepper, and ½ cup of chopped onion. Cook this for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies soften a bit.

Combining Meatballs and Sauce

When the meatballs are ready, carefully add them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. This is where the magic happens! Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Tender Meatballs

Mixing meatball ingredients well is key. If you overmix, the meatballs can be tough. Use your hands to gently combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices. This keeps them light and tender.

You can bake or fry meatballs. Baking is easier and less messy. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lined sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Frying gives a nice crisp. Heat oil in a pan and cook until browned on all sides.

Sauce Consistency Adjustments

If your sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in while the sauce simmers. If it’s too thick, slowly add water or more vinegar until you reach your desired texture.

To boost flavor, consider adding fresh ginger or a splash of pineapple juice. These add a nice twist to the sweet and sour taste.

Presentation Suggestions

Serve sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of steamed rice. This absorbs the sauce and makes the dish filling. For a pop of color, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top.

Arrange the meatballs in a bowl with sauce around them. This creates a nice visual appeal. You can also add slices of red pepper and pineapple on the side for extra color.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and quality ground meat can significantly enhance the flavor of your meatballs, making them more delicious and aromatic.
Experiment with Sauces: Try adding different ingredients to the sauce, such as ginger or chili flakes, for an extra kick and customization to suit your taste preferences.
Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made in advance and frozen. Simply reheat in the sauce before serving for a quick meal option.
Serve with Sides: Pair the meatballs with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Variations

Alternative Protein Options

You can switch the meat in sweet and sour meatballs. Ground chicken or turkey works great. These options are lighter and still tasty. You can find them in most stores. If you want a vegetarian meal, use lentils or chickpeas. There are many recipes for vegetarian meatballs online. They use beans, quinoa, or veggies.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Substitutions

You can change the sauce too. Try adding fruits like mango or peach. They give a unique taste. You can also use different veggies. Carrots or broccoli can make the dish colorful. If you want a low-sugar option, use a sugar substitute. Look for gluten-free soy sauce if needed. This keeps your dish friendly for all diets.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet and sour meatballs can pair with many sides. Serve them over rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. If you have leftovers, use them in a sandwich or salad. They can add a fun twist to your meal. You can even put them in a wrap for lunch!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your sweet and sour meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge right away. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. You can separate the meatballs from the sauce if you prefer. This helps keep them from getting too soggy.

– Best practices for refrigeration: Store leftovers within two hours of cooking. This keeps them safe to eat.

– Recommended storage containers: Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Make sure they are clean and dry before putting in the meatballs.

Reheating Meatballs

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you have a few options. You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop.

– Methods for reheating:

– Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat in short intervals until warm.

– Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.

– Stovetop: Use a skillet. Add a little sauce to the pan. Heat on medium, stirring gently until warmed through.

– Tips to maintain flavor and texture: Add a splash of water or sauce when reheating. This keeps the meatballs juicy and tasty.

Freezing Instructions

If you’ve made too many meatballs or want to save some for later, freezing is a great option.

– How to freeze meatballs and sauce separately: Let them cool completely first. Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For the sauce, put it in a separate container.

– Thawing and reheating frozen meatballs: When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave. Then follow the reheating tips above to enjoy them again.

FAQs

What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers or oats instead of breadcrumbs. Both options work well. They give your meatballs a nice texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or ground flaxseed. These will keep your meatballs moist and tasty.

Can I make Sweet and Sour Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form them and bake them. Let them cool and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave when you are ready to serve.

What is the best side dish to serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs?

Steamed rice is a classic choice. It soaks up the sauce well. You can also serve them with noodles or a fresh salad. Both options add great flavor and balance to the meal. For a twist, try serving them with quinoa or cauliflower rice.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for heat. You can also mix in some sriracha or hot sauce into the sweet and sour sauce. For extra spice, chop up jalapeños and add them to the sauce. Adjust the heat to match your taste!

In this post, I covered how to make delicious sweet and sour meatballs. We started by listing the key ingredients, including meat, breadcrumbs, and sauce components. I then shared step-by-step instructions, from mixing ingredients to baking meatballs and making the sauce.

To finish, I offered cooking tips, variations, and storage advice. Now you can impress your family with this easy dish. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with flavors. Your sweet and sour meatballs will be a hi

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Delicious meatballs coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and bell peppers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup 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 ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and the mixed cornstarch and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the pineapple chunks, chopped red bell pepper, and onion into the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Once the meatballs are done, carefully add them to the pan with the sweet and sour sauce and gently stir to coat them in the sauce.
Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and parsley.

Keyword dinner, meatballs, pineapple, sweet and sour