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Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the kind of weeknight dinner that disappear as fast as you can serve them. Juicy homemade meatballs tossed in a glossy pineapple sauce with peppers and onions — they’re tangy, sticky, saucy, and always a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sticky-saucy perfection – That glossy sauce clings to every bite.
  • Quick and easy – The oven or air fryer does most of the work.
  • Sweet pineapple twist – Adds pops of flavor that make the dish irresistible.
  • Better than takeout – Fresh, homemade, and way more satisfying.
  • Family-approved – These meatballs never last long on the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

  • Ground beef – Rich and juicy, though chicken or turkey works too.
  • Breadcrumbs – Helps lock in moisture and keep them tender.
  • Eggs – Binds everything together.
  • Seasoning – Garlic powder, salt, and pepper for classic flavor.
  • Onion – Shredded or finely chopped for extra juiciness.

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • Rice vinegar – Adds the signature tang (apple cider vinegar works too).
  • Ketchup & tomato paste – For sweetness and depth.
  • Brown sugar – Balances the vinegar.
  • Pineapple juice – From the canned pineapple for natural sweetness.
  • Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to that glossy finish.
  • Chicken broth – Lightens the sauce and adds flavor.

Stir-Fry Add-Ins

  • Bell peppers – Red and green for that takeout-style look and crunch.
  • Onion & garlic – Aromatic base for the sauce.
  • Pineapple chunks – Sweet, tangy pops in every bite.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1. Make the Meatballs

Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, and seasoning until just combined. Roll into bite-sized balls.

2. Cook the Meatballs

  • Air fryer: 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
  • Oven: 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

3. Whisk the Sauce

In a bowl, stir together vinegar, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

4. Stir-Fry the Veggies

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Sauté onion and peppers for a minute, then add garlic. Pour in the sauce and cook until glossy and thickened.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks. Toss until everything is coated in the sauce and heated through.

Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or even dinner rolls.

Tips & Variations

  • Taste the sauce before adding meatballs – Adjust sugar or vinegar to balance flavor.
  • Make ahead – Roll the meatballs in the morning or whisk the sauce earlier in the day.
  • Freezer-friendly – Store raw or cooked meatballs in freezer bags. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
  • Protein swap – Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Add extra breadcrumbs for lean meats to keep them moist.
  • Extra heat – Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

What to Serve With Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These saucy meatballs pair perfectly with:

  • Fluffy jasmine rice or yellow rice
  • Chow mein noodles
  • Quick yeast dinner rolls to soak up extra sauce

Storage & Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze with sauce in portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

More Meatball Recipes You’ll Love

  • Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs
  • Salisbury Steak Meatballs
  • Korean BBQ Meatballs
  • Thai Red Curry Turkey Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Servings: About 36 meatballs

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 onion, shredded or finely chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt

Stir Fry

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Shape into small balls.
  2. Cook in an air fryer at 380°F for 10 minutes (shaking once) or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
  3. Whisk sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
  4. In a large wok, heat oil. Sauté onion and peppers for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in the sauce and cook until thickened.
  6. Add meatballs and pineapple chunks, tossing to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.