Description
These Sweet and Sour Meatballs offer a quick and juicy comfort food delight perfect for a satisfying meal. Made with ground beef and tossed in a vibrant, tangy sauce filled with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Easily prepared using an air fryer or oven, it’s versatile and delicious for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Can substitute with ground chicken or turkey.)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko for lighter texture.)
- 1 large Egg (Flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan alternative.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can enhance flavor.)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Adjust to suit your taste.)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Low sodium recommended; use vegetable broth for vegetarian.)
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice (Juice from canned pineapple is recommended.)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Other
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Olive oil can be used as a substitute.)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (Mix of red and green, can use other sweet varieties.)
- 1 cup Onions (Diced and shredded.)
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (Canned pineapple makes for easy preparation.)
Instructions
- Making Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
- Cooking Meatballs: Place the meatballs in an air fryer preheated to 380°F and cook for 10 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, bake them on a lined sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Ensure meatballs are cooked through and have a lightly browned exterior.
- Preparing Sauce Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor with thickness.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for about 1 minute until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Cooking Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet containing the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes, developing a glossy sauce.
- Combining Meatballs and Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks and the cooked meatballs into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the rich sweet and sour sauce, infusing fruitiness and savoriness.
- Finishing Touch: Allow the meatballs to cook in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes so flavors meld well and the meatballs are heated through. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
- Adjust brown sugar amount to control the sweetness of the sauce.
- The air fryer method is faster and helps achieve a crispy exterior on meatballs.
- Leftover meatballs with sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
