A.1. Derful Sweet And Sour Meat Balls
Sweet and tangy meatballs with pineapple, carrots, and celery, coated in savory sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, offering bold flavors and hearty comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. A.1. steak sauce ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 medium clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks in juice ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup beef broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. A.1. steak sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, 3 tablespoons A.1. steak sauce, beaten egg, bread crumbs, crushed garlic, and salt in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into 24 meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs well in oil; drain excess fat.
- Add pineapple chunks, sliced carrots, sliced celery, beef broth, 2 tablespoons A.1. steak sauce, soy sauce, cider vinegar, and ground ginger to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water, then stir into the skillet mixture.
- Add green pepper, then simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of lean ground beef. If you don't have A.1. steak sauce, a mix of Worcestershire sauce and a bit of ketchup can work as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen stir-fry mixes. Adding crushed red pepper can enhance the heat level if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice, which will soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Special Baked Rice for a satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A.1. Derful Sweet And Sour Meat Balls contains roughly 1092 calories, with 9g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2808mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the beef. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or dietary needs.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the flavor profile.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These sweet and sour meatballs are delicious served over rice, but you can also pair them with noodles or quinoa for a different take. Adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can complement the dish nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).