Island Sweet-Sour Meat Balls
Sweet and tangy island-inspired meatballs featuring pineapple, cranberry, and barbecue flavors, perfect for parties or family dinners with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 (8 1/4 oz.) can pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups green pepper strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beaten egg, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Add ground beef to the mixture and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 24 (1-inch) meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs in hot shortening.
- Drain off excess fat after browning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. If you don’t have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, add garlic powder or use green onions instead of regular onions. For added sweetness, include a bit of brown sugar in the sauce mixture. This dish is a great option for busy weeknights, like in Busy Day Meat Supper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over rice or alongside egg noodles for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, you can serve them with toothpicks at parties as an appetizer. Consider making a batch for a family gathering or game day; they are sure to be a hit at any event.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you freeze them, ensure they are in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Island Sweet-Sour Meat Balls contains roughly 101 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. If you want to freeze them, shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen, just extend the cooking time slightly.
What can I use instead of pineapple tidbits?
If you don't have pineapple tidbits, you can substitute with diced peaches or mango for a similar sweet flavor. Alternatively, you can use apricot preserves mixed with a little vinegar for a sweet-tart effect that complements the meatballs well.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth and add it to the sauce while it's simmering. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. This technique is helpful for making gravies and sauces in many beef recipes.
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).