Sweet And Sour Meatballs Or Waikiki Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs offer a delightful combination of savory beef, tangy pineapple, and a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2/3 c. cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. shortening
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
- 1 (13 1/2 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk. Mix well.
- Form mixture into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt shortening over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch, then add brown sugar, pineapple syrup, vinegar, soy sauce, and chopped green pepper.
- Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Add drained pineapple tidbits to the sauce and heat through.
- Serve the meatballs hot, topped with the sweet and sour sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you're short on cracker crumbs, crushed oats or breadcrumbs work well too. To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped cilantro to the meat mixture. Don't skip the step of forming the meatballs evenly for consistent cooking. Make sure to keep an eye on the sauce while it thickens to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a balanced plate. For a fun twist, serve them in sliders or as an appetizer with toothpicks at your next gathering. For more delicious meatball ideas, check out American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. The sauce can be reheated on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatballs Or Waikiki Meatballs contains roughly 658 calories, with 12g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2276mg per serving (99% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them uncooked. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for even cooking.
What can I use instead of pineapple tidbits?
If you don't have pineapple tidbits, diced peaches, or even chopped bell peppers can work as a sweet alternative. You could also use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. Just ensure that whatever you substitute adds some sweetness to balance the sauce.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add a spicy kick, incorporate a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce while it simmers. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. This will enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
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).