Sweet And Sour Beef Balls
Sweet and sour beef balls feature tender meatballs in a tangy sauce with pineapple, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal suited to family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, egg, cornstarch, salt, chopped onion, and black pepper to form 18 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a small amount of oil and then drain.
- Combine oil and pineapple juice in a pan and cook over low heat for a few minutes.
- Add cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and sugar to the pan and cook until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly.
- Add the cooked meatballs, sliced pineapple, and green peppers to the sauce.
- Heat through until everything is well coated and hot.
- Serve the sweet and sour beef balls with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also add minced garlic for extra flavor. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used. Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar, or replace it with honey for a different taste. Additionally, add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more texture, similar to what you'd find in Vegetable Beef Egg Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet and sour beef balls pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or stir-fried vegetables for added crunch and nutrition. For a fun twist, try them in a lettuce wrap for a lighter option, similar to some Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef balls in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to create steam, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This will help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Beef Balls contains roughly 1370 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2105mg per serving (92% 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 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked meatballs, then thaw and cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
If you don't have pineapple juice, orange juice or a mix of apple and lemon juice can work as a substitute. While the flavor will be slightly different, these alternatives will still add a sweet and tangy element to the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them in the sauce for a few minutes before adding the meatballs, allowing you to create a more balanced meal, reminiscent of Stir-Fried Beef Vegetables.
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).