Island Sweet-Sour Meatballs
Island Sweet-Sour Meatballs combine savory beef with pineapple and cranberry sauce, offering a tangy, sweet flavor profile perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
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 slices ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper strips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine beaten egg, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- Add ground beef and mix well. Shape mixture into 24 (1-inch) meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs in hot shortening. Drain off fat.
- Drain pineapple slices, reserving the syrup. Cut pineapple into small wedges and set aside.
- Combine reserved syrup with water to make 3/4 cup.
- In the skillet, pour in the syrup mixture, cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and dash of pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Slowly blend 1/4 cup cold water into the cornstarch to make a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Add pineapple wedges and green pepper strips. Simmer, covered, until pepper is barely tender.
- Serve the meatball mixture over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute quinoa for bread crumbs for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Make sure to brown the meatballs well for extra flavor, as this will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet-sour meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad for added crunch. For a fun twist, try serving them as an appetizer with toothpicks at your next gathering, or alongside a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If reheating in the microwave, be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Island Sweet-Sour Meatballs contains roughly 410 calories, with 11g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1628mg per serving (71% 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 in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, simply thaw and follow the recipe as instructed.
What can I substitute for the pineapple slices?
If you don't have pineapple slices, you can use canned peaches or mandarin oranges for a similar sweet flavor. Alternatively, fresh fruit like diced mango can work as a delicious substitute, adding a tropical flair to the dish.
How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of flour with an equal amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into your sauce and let it simmer until thickened. Another option is to reduce the sauce by simmering it longer to achieve a thicker consistency.
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).