Sweet And Sour Meatballs(Reduced Fat)
Juicy, flavorful meatballs made with lean ground meat and seasoned with sage and onion, perfect for a quick, healthy meal served with sweet and sour sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine egg, skim milk, bread crumbs, pepper, ground sage, minced onion, and ground round or turkey.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on a broiler pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly brown.
- Serve with sweet and sour sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have skim milk, low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk can work as a substitute. Use whole wheat bread crumbs for a healthier option. For a gluten-free version, replace bread crumbs with ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Pair them with a crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced dinner. They also make a great appetizer for parties, served with toothpicks and extra sweet and sour sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meatballs(Reduced Fat) contains roughly 421 calories, with 14g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 632mg per serving (27% 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 refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together. Just remember to bake them right before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of ground round?
Ground turkey is a great alternative for a lower-fat option. You could also use ground chicken or even vegetarian substitutes like lentils or black beans for a meatless variation, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
How do I make the sweet and sour sauce?
A simple sweet and sour sauce can be made by combining equal parts ketchup and vinegar, adding some brown sugar or honey for sweetness, and a splash of soy sauce for depth. Heat the mixture until bubbly and serve over the meatballs.
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).