Name: Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp soy sauce; For the Sauce:; 1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice); 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening); For the Add-Ins:; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; Cooked rice, for serving; Tools Needed:; Large skillet or frying pan; Mixing bowls; Baking sheet (if baking meatballs); Whisk

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

There’s nothing quite like a meal that brings the whole family to the table with excitement. That’s exactly what happens every time I make these Sweet & Sour Meatballs. It started as a quick weeknight experiment—something easy yet flavorful, using ingredients I already had on hand. The result? A dish so irresistible that my kids now request it by name, and my husband happily goes back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).

What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of flavors. The juicy, tender meatballs soak up the rich, tangy-sweet sauce, while the pineapple and bell peppers add bursts of freshness. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, it’s a comforting, wholesome meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner that you can whip up without spending hours in the kitchen, this is the recipe for you. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or even meal prep for the week, these sweet and sour meatballs never disappoint.

Let’s get into all the details so you can make this delicious, foolproof recipe at home!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat everything together in a pan.

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! Cooked meatballs (with or without the sauce) freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

What can I serve these with?
They’re best over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You can also serve them with noodles or alongside a simple veggie stir-fry.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Of course! If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked frozen meatballs work great. Just let them simmer in the sauce for extra flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! The sweetness of the sauce makes it appealing to kids. If your little ones are sensitive to spice, just be sure to use mild bell peppers and adjust any seasoning to their taste.

What You Need to Make Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp soy sauce

For the Sauce:

1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)

1/2 cup ketchup

1/3 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Add-Ins:

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

Cooked rice, for serving

Tools Needed:

Large skillet or frying pan

Mixing bowls

Baking sheet (if baking meatballs)

Whisk

How to Make Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Shape into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter).

Cook the Meatballs: You can either bake them at 375°F for 15-18 minutes or pan-fry them in a little oil until browned on all sides and cooked through.

Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in the sauce.

Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and whisk until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).

Combine Everything: Add the cooked meatballs, pineapple chunks, and chopped bell peppers to the sauce. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Serve & Enjoy: Spoon over warm rice and enjoy every bite!

Tips for Making the Best Sweet & Sour Meatballs

For extra juicy meatballs, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Just combine until the ingredients are incorporated.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it before adding the meatballs. This removes any chunky texture from the pineapple.

Try different proteins! Ground turkey or chicken works great in place of beef.

Add a spicy kick by mixing in a little sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe was a huge hit! My whole family loved it, and it was so easy to make. I’ll definitely be adding this to our regular rotation!” – Emily R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious and super simple! Next time, I might add more bell peppers for extra crunch.” – Sarah M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect balance of sweet and tangy. My kids devoured it! I love that it uses simple ingredients.” – Amanda J.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great for meal prep! I made a double batch and froze half. Reheats beautifully!” – Jake B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe is foolproof! I used frozen meatballs, and it still turned out amazing.” – Laura D.

Printable Recipe

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