Dotty'S Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Savory sweet and sour meatballs featuring ground beef, tender vegetables, and a tangy tomato vinegar sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set aside the rest of the can of tomato sauce for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground round, diced onion, diced celery, eggs, crushed saltine crackers, salt, pepper, and sage.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs of desired size.
- In a skillet or baking dish, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 20-25 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine 1/3 cup tomato sauce, 1 cup sugar, and 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the cooked meatballs.
- Simmer everything together for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped bell peppers to the meatball mixture. If you don't have saltine crackers, crushed breadcrumbs or panko can work as a substitute. Adjust the sugar in the sauce to taste, especially if you prefer a tangier profile. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They pair beautifully with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, making them a hit at gatherings or parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently for doneness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dotty'S Sweet And Sour Meatballs contains roughly 385 calories, with 14g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% 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 make these meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Form them and store them uncooked in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the cooking instructions.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
Sweet and sour meatballs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with rice, quinoa, or even noodles. For a lighter option, a simple green salad or steamed vegetables can complement the dish nicely.
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground round gives a rich flavor, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat you choose.
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).