Description
Sweet and Sour Meatballs combine tender, juicy beef meatballs with a tangy and flavorful homemade sauce made from pineapple, bell peppers, and a perfect balance of sweet and sour ingredients. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a family meal served over steamed rice and can be customized with different protein or extra vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through; this should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks and chopped bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened and aromatic.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the pineapple and bell peppers and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens, coating the back of a spoon.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve warm, ideally over steamed rice, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or snap peas for more texture and color.
