Sweet And Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs offer a delightful combination of savory beef balls coated in a tangy, sweet sauce. The dish features flavors of cranberry, chili, and lemon, making it perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. Its vibrant taste appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, parsley flakes, soy sauce, garlic salt or powder, bread crumbs, chopped onion, eggs, and ketchup in a large bowl; mix well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a saucepan, combine jellied cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice; heat until smooth.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs in the pan.
- Bake or simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is heated thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats can work as a substitute. To make the sauce spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking, similar to those in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet and sour meatballs can be served as an appetizer or main dish. They pair well with steamed rice or mashed potatoes, and a side of sautéed vegetables adds color and nutrition. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or browse more beef recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave them on medium heat until warmed through. The sauce can also be reheated separately and poured over the meatballs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatballs contains roughly 1088 calories, with 30g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2721mg per serving (118% 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 freeze them before cooking. Just shape the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
What can I use instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
If you don’t have jellied cranberry sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of cranberry juice and sugar, or use store-bought cranberry relish. The goal is to maintain the sweet and tart balance that complements the meatballs.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers or onions can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Sauté them before adding to the sauce for a deeper flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender.
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).