Sweet-And-Sour Meatballs With Yellow Rice
Sweet-and-sour meatballs combined with tangy tomato and cranberry sauce create a flavorful dish perfect for casual dinners and entertaining guests alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/3 cup fine, dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp. minced onion
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can no-salt added whole tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup no-salt added tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck, bread crumbs, egg whites, parsley, onion, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a medium bowl; stir well.
- Shape the mixture into 24 (1-inch) meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a rack in a roasting pan coated with cooking spray.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chuck. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley works as a substitute, though use about one-third of the amount. To keep the meatballs moist, don’t overmix the ingredients. If you're looking for more sweet and savory combinations, try pairing this dish with a side of 'Spam And Green Bean Casserole'.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet-and-sour meatballs over a bed of fluffy yellow rice for a complete meal. They pair wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. For a delightful treat afterwards, consider enjoying a slice of Old Fashioned Cream Pie(Old Recipe) as dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, ensuring they are warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-And-Sour Meatballs With Yellow Rice contains roughly 270 calories, with 16g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (229% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1847mg per serving (80% 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 and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
If you don't have jellied cranberry sauce, you can use apple sauce or a fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry. This will still provide that sweet and tangy flavor profile. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with a meat alternative like lentils, chickpeas, or a store-bought meat substitute. Ensure to adjust the binding ingredients, and consider adding some finely chopped vegetables for added texture.
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).