Sweet And Sour Meatballs With Rice
Sweet and tangy meatballs coated in a flavorful sauce, served over rice—perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with bold flavors and satisfying comfort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onions, egg, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a skillet.
- Pour off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the golden mushroom soup, chopped tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for beef. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats work well too. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar; try honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Adding a splash of pineapple juice can enhance the sweet and sour aspect. For a quick meal, use pre-cooked rice and heat it up while the meatballs cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. Pair with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added nutrition. This dish also pairs beautifully with Mrs. Texas Casserole for a hearty family dinner. For a twist, consider adding bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, covered, to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in the sauce for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatballs With Rice contains roughly 279 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2191mg per serving (95% 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, shape them, and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before browning. This saves time on busy weeknights and ensures you have a delicious meal ready to go.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs are great with rice, but you can also serve them over noodles or in a sub for a meatball sandwich. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For a fun twist, serve with Brown Sauce as a dipping option.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, let the sauce simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
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).