Sweet & Sour Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) - 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1/2 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 3 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish When making sweet and sour meatballs, use fresh ingredients. I love using ground beef for its rich flavor. You can also choose ground turkey for a lighter option. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together. Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of umami. Next, chop your onion and bell pepper finely. Pineapple brings sweetness and texture. Use fresh pineapple if you can. It makes a big difference. For the sauce, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. This mix gives the meatballs their sweet and sour flavor. Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness. Don’t forget the cornstarch! It thickens the sauce perfectly. Prepare everything ahead of time. This way, you can focus on cooking. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take a large mixing bowl. Combine these ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix everything well until it is fully combined. Use your hands for a better mix. Once mixed, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This helps them cook evenly. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the meatballs on the sheet, giving them space. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through. While the meatballs bake, it's time for the sauce. In a separate saucepan, add these ingredients: - 1/2 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 3 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1/2 cup pineapple chunks - 1/4 cup diced bell pepper Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir often. Once it simmers, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Add this to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which takes about 2-3 minutes. After the meatballs bake, transfer them to the saucepan. Gently toss to coat each meatball in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. To make perfect meatballs, focus on mixing and rolling. First, mix the ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, egg, and spices. Make sure everything blends well. Too much mixing can make them tough, so mix just until combined. When rolling, keep your hands slightly wet. This helps shape the meatballs without sticking. Aim for 1-inch balls for even cooking. For the best results, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking. To add more flavor, consider spices like paprika or cumin. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, also work well. You can switch up the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or honey. For a tangy twist, increase the apple cider vinegar. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust it to your liking. You want a balance of sweet and sour. To make your dish look great, garnish the meatballs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds color and texture. Serve the meatballs on a nice platter. You can add pineapple chunks or bell pepper pieces around them. This makes the dish pop and looks inviting on the table. Consider serving with rice or noodles on the side. This adds a nice base and soaks up the sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and bell peppers will enhance the flavor and texture of your meatballs, making them more vibrant and delicious. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar or vinegar to suit your taste. Perfectly Cooked Meatballs: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for ground beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. Just reheat in the sauce when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef or turkey for other meats. Try ground chicken or pork for a new taste. For a lighter option, use lean ground beef. If you want something meat-free, use lentils or chickpeas. These options give a great texture and flavor. You can also try store-bought meat substitutes, like veggie burgers or tofu. They work well in this recipe, too. The sweet and sour sauce can change based on your taste. Instead of ketchup, use barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. You can add honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. For a spicy kick, try adding chili sauce or sriracha. Use different fruits for sweetness too. Mango or peach can add a tropical twist. If you want a tart flavor, use cranberry sauce or pomegranate. You can cook these meatballs in different ways. If you prefer stovetop cooking, fry them in a pan until golden. This method gives a nice crust. For slow cooking, place the meatballs in a slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for a tender result. You can even grill the meatballs for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to check they are cooked through before serving. To keep your sweet and sour meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge. First, let the meatballs cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container. They can last for about 3 to 4 days. Always label your container with the date. This way, you will know when to use them. Freezing is a great way to save leftover meatballs. To do this, let them cool fully. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before you heat them up. Reheating meatballs should be done carefully. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish and add a little sauce to keep them moist. Cover with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying. Sweet and sour meatballs will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the meatballs smell or look off, it's best to throw them away. Yes, you can make sweet and sour meatballs ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the meatballs in the sauce. You can warm them on the stove or in the microwave. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Sweet and sour meatballs pair well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice or fried rice - Noodles, like spaghetti or rice noodles - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes These sides will help balance the flavors and make your meal complete. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! Sweet and sour meatballs are easy to make and delicious. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods. Remember, you can customize them with different meats or sauces. Storing leftovers properly helps keep them fresh for later meals. I hope these tips inspire you to try this tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to experiment!$

Delicious meatballs coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
1 unit egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
0.25 cup bell pepper, diced (red or green)
0.5 cup ketchup
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
unit Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
In a separate saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, and diced bell pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Once simmering, add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently toss to coat each meatball thoroughly in the sauce.
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor.

Keyword easy recipe, meatballs, sweet and sour