Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Table of Contents

1. Sweet and Sour Meatballs Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make This Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe
4. How To Serve
5. Storage
6. Why We Love This Recipe
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. More Recipes You’ll Love
9. JUMP TO RECIPE
10. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Experience a burst of flavors with our sweet and sour meatballs recipe. These succulent meatballs are smothered in a mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce, making them a hit at any gathering.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Ingredients

Lean ground beef provides a juicy and flavorful base, along with a combination of sweet yellow onions, breadcrumbs, milk, and seasonings.

To create the sauce, pineapple chunks bring natural sweetness, while BBQ sauce and sweet chili sauce create a harmonious sweet and spicy blend balanced by light brown sugar and tangy apple cider vinegar. 

Substitutions and Additions

GROUND MEAT: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider substituting ground turkey for lean ground beef. It offers a leaner option while maintaining the meaty flavor.

ONION: Use red onions instead of yellow in this easy recipe for added depth. They bring a mild, sweet flavor with a hint of spiciness.

SWEET CHILI SAUCE: Experiment with different heat levels by choosing mild or spicy sweet chili sauce, depending on your preference for a milder or spicier kick.

PINEAPPLE CHUNKS: Fresh pineapple chunks can be used instead of canned for a more vibrant and fruity flavor.

BBQ SAUCE: Feel free to switch up the BBQ sauce brand to match your favorite flavor profile, whether it’s smoky, spicy, or sweet.

SOY SAUCE: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake while still enjoying that umami richness.

MEATBALLS: You can use premade store-bought meatballs in the dish. Simply shorten the cooking time to 25 minutes.

VEGGIES: You can also add sliced onion and green bell peppers to the meatball mixture to add a different flavor.

How To Make This Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe

Once you mix up the homemade meatballs, you’ll top them with the sweet and sour sauce and bake. Let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions. 

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.

STEP TWO: Using a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Mix until well combined. 

STEP THREE: Scoop out the meat mixture using a 1½-tablespoon scoop. Roll the scooped meat into a ball. Place the meatballs into the prepared baking dish. Set it aside.

STEP FOUR: Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set it aside.

STEP FIVE: Evenly sprinkle the pineapple chunks over the meatballs.

STEP SIX: Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the meatballs.

STEP SEVEN: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Serve hot over rice.

How To Serve

Pair these easy sweet and sour meatballs with fluffy white rice and sauteed vegetables for a complete meal. The rice soaks up the tangy sauce, creating an irresistible combination.

Transform these delicious meatballs into a flavorful party appetizer by serving them with toothpicks. They’re the perfect bite-sized party snack.

Elevate your lunch by making a meatball sandwich with a soft sub roll, lettuce, and a drizzle of extra sweet and sour sauce.

Check out our original homemade meatball recipe. Our Swedish meatballs are always a favorite.

Storage

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance, shaping them into balls and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

IN THE FREEZER: If you want to freeze them, arrange the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. 

Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months.

REHEATING: To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. 

Alternatively, use the microwave for a quick reheat, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.

Why We Love This Recipe

CROWD-PLEASER: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages.

MAKE-AHEAD: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

FREEZER-FRIENDLY: With the option to freeze them, you can enjoy these meatballs anytime for an easy dinner with minimal effort.

Our sweet and sour meatballs recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a game night, or a potluck party, these delicious meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more. 

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Teriyaki Meatballs
• Meatball Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Even More Recipes You’ll Love

• Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Teriyaki Steak Bites
• Alabama White Sauce
• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Homemade Corn Dogs
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
• Mongolian Beef Noodles
• Crispy Fried Potatoes