Sweet-Sour Meatballs
Sweet-Sour Meatballs feature tender meatballs coated in a tangy, sweet-and-sour sauce with pineapple and green peppers. This flavorful dish combines savory and fruity notes, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy a balanced, vibrant flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, cracker crumbs, minced onion, egg, milk, and ginger in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and brown sugar.
- Stir in pineapple syrup, vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Cook the mixture until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Place the cooked meatballs in a casserole dish.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the meatballs, then add pineapple tidbits and chopped green pepper.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meatball mixture. If you don't have cracker crumbs, use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar or adding a dash of chili sauce for some heat. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Roast And Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet-sour meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make great sides to balance the sweetness. For a fun twist, consider serving them as appetizers with toothpicks for dipping or as part of a buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet-sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Meatballs contains roughly 1371 calories, with 23g protein, 256g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (64% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be a great alternative if you're looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey may require a bit more seasoning to enhance flavor, so consider adding extra spices or herbs to the mixture.
What can I use if I don't have pineapple tidbits?
If you don't have pineapple tidbits, you can substitute with canned peaches or even diced apples for a different fruit flavor. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness of the sauce accordingly to match the fruit you choose.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free sweet-sour meatballs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular cracker crumbs. Ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free as well, or you can use tamari as an alternative.
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).