Tangy Zing Meatballs

$To make sweet and sour meatballs, you'll need: - 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper - 1/4 cup diced onion - 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) - 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade) These ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. The ground beef gives the meatballs a hearty base. The breadcrumbs and egg hold the meatballs together. You can also use turkey for a lighter meal. You can switch things up with these optional ingredients: - Chopped cilantro for freshness - Red bell pepper for sweetness - Chopped carrots for extra crunch - Garlic cloves for more flavor These additions can change the taste and texture. Experiment to find your favorite version! For special diets, try these swaps: - Use ground turkey or chicken for lower fat. - Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. - Use low-sodium soy sauce for less salt. - Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal for a vegan option. These substitutions help everyone enjoy the dish. Just remember to check the flavors as you cook. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to keep the meatballs from sticking. This step is key for easy cleanup. Next, let’s make the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Crack in 1 large egg for binding. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for flavor. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to taste. Now, it’s time for some veggies. Fold in 1/4 cup each of diced green bell pepper and onion. Finally, mix in 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks, either fresh or canned. This adds a sweet twist to the meatballs. Now, it’s shaping time! Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on your lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball. This helps them cook evenly. Once shaped, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes. They should be browned and fully cooked when done. While the meatballs bake, you can prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, warm up 1/2 cup of sweet and sour sauce over medium heat. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, depending on your time. When the meatballs are ready, transfer them to the saucepan. Gently toss them in the sauce until they are well coated. This step gives them that delicious sweet and tangy flavor. Serve your sweet and sour meatballs right away for the best taste! To make your meatballs truly tasty, follow these tips: - Use fresh ingredients. Fresh veggies and herbs boost flavor. - Mix well. Combine your meat and seasonings well for even taste. - Don’t overwork the meat. Just mix until combined for a tender bite. - Taste the mix. Cook a small piece to check flavors before shaping the rest. Many people make simple mistakes when cooking meatballs: - Skipping the egg. The egg helps bind the meatballs together. - Not seasoning enough. Always add salt and pepper for flavor. - Crowding the baking sheet. Leave space between meatballs for even cooking. - Not checking doneness. Ensure they are cooked to at least 165°F (74°C). Keep your meatballs moist with these steps: - Add breadcrumbs. They soak up moisture and keep meatballs soft. - Incorporate vegetables. Diced onions and bell peppers add moisture and flavor. - Don’t bake too long. Bake until just done to avoid dryness. - Let them rest. Allow meatballs to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain juices. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pineapple and vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of the meatballs. Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the meat mixture. Experiment with Sauces: Try different sauces like teriyaki or barbecue for a unique twist on the traditional sweet and sour flavor. Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just bake them from frozen when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can use different meats for your sweet and sour meatballs. Ground beef gives a rich flavor. It is hearty and satisfying. If you want a lighter dish, try ground turkey. It has less fat but still tastes great. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat. This choice is healthy and still holds the flavors well. You can choose between homemade or store-bought sweet and sour sauce. A homemade sauce allows for more control over flavor. Mix sugar, vinegar, and ketchup for a quick sauce. This gives you a fresh taste. Store-bought sauce is easy and saves time. Look for brands that use natural ingredients. Both options will coat the meatballs nicely. Add more flavor by mixing in extra veggies and spices. Diced bell peppers and onions add crunch. You can also try carrots or zucchini for added nutrients. For spices, consider ginger for a warm kick. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat. These additions make your dish unique and flavorful. Your meatballs will stand out with these tasty twists. Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They last up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat for about one to two minutes. For a crispy outer layer, reheat in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. Freezing meatballs is easy and smart! Arrange cooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Freeze them for one to two hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. Frozen meatballs can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Sweet and sour meatballs taste great with several sides. You can serve them with: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Noodles - A fresh green salad - Stir-fried vegetables These sides balance the flavors well and add some texture. Yes, you can make sweet and sour meatballs ahead. Prepare the meatballs and bake them. Let them cool, then store them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for later use. Just make sure to reheat them with sauce for the best flavor. To keep meatballs from falling apart, follow these tips: - Use an egg as a binder. - Add breadcrumbs for structure. - Mix the ingredients gently. - Don’t overwork the meat mixture. These steps help the meatballs hold together during cooking. Sweet and sour meatballs last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just reheat them when you're ready to enjoy! You learned about making sweet and sour meatballs, from ingredients to storage. We discussed key components and tasty variations. You can avoid common mistakes and ensure your meatballs stay moist. In the end, this dish brings joy to any table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving options. Happy cooking!$

Delicious meatballs with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, perfect for a quick meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons soy sauce
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup diced green bell pepper
0.25 cup diced onion
0.25 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
0.5 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Fold in the diced green bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks into the meat mixture until evenly distributed.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
In a saucepan, warm up the sweet and sour sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan and gently toss them in the sauce until well coated.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.

Keyword easy recipe, meatballs, sweet and sour