Meat Balls With A College Education
A flavorful fusion of savory meat balls glazed with sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onion in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into small meat balls.
- Roll each meat ball in flour to coat evenly.
- Fry the meat balls in oil until they are light brown and cooked through.
- Add 1/3 cup chicken stock, oil, cubed pineapple slices, and sliced green peppers to the pan.
- Simmer over low heat until the peppers are tender.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by combining remaining ingredients: vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and other seasonings if needed.
- Mix the sauce well and add the cooked meat balls to it.
- Heat thoroughly until all flavors meld and the dish is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, which will make the dish leaner. If you're short on time, precooked meatballs can be used—just adjust the cooking time and skip the frying step. For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or ginger into the meat mixture. This recipe pairs beautifully with East-West Stir-Fry, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over rice or noodles, making them a perfect match for a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking. For a complete meal, consider pairing with Chinese Pineapple Chicken for a delightful flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken stock to keep them moist, or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Balls With A College Education contains roughly 932 calories, with 13g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2611mg per serving (114% 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
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check, or cut one open to ensure it's no longer pink inside.
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).