Meatballs In Sweet N Sour Sauce
Juicy meatballs in a tangy sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and peppers, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- 13 1/2 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained (save syrup) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 2/3 cup cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon shortening ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix hamburger, cracker crumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Melt shortening in a skillet and cook the meatballs until browned; remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, mix cornstarch and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in pineapple syrup, vinegar, and soy sauce; cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and boils.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Add meatballs, drained pineapple tidbits, and chopped green pepper to the sauce.
- Heat through until everything is well coated and hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped carrots to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have cracker crumbs, crushed breadcrumbs or even cooked rice can work as substitutes. To save time, you can use pre-made meatballs. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Sweet And Sour Pork, allowing for a delightful variety on your table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the sweet and sour sauce. A side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad can complement the dish well. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Cantonese Pork Chops for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or pineapple syrup to keep them moist. Cover and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatballs In Sweet N Sour Sauce contains roughly 590 calories, with 3g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a healthier alternative to beef. It will provide a lighter flavor and still blend well with the sweet and sour sauce. Just be mindful of cooking times, as turkey may require slightly less cooking to remain moist.
What if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. Just mix it with a little water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce to thicken it. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, meatballs can be frozen before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, store them in an airtight container. They can be thawed and reheated when ready to serve.
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).