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–+ servings
Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Sweet And Sour Meatballs for Quick Family Comfort

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a family favorite, bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko recommended for extra crunch
  • 1 large Eggs or substitute with flax egg for vegan option
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic can be used
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Rice Vinegar apple cider vinegar can be used as alternative
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar or honey/maple syrup for sweetness
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup opt for low-sugar ketchup if desired
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste extra ketchup can be used if unavailable
  • 1/4 cup Pineapple Juice juice from canned pineapple recommended
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch can use all-purpose flour instead
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil olive oil can be used
For the Veggies
  • 1 medium Onion yellow or white onion works best
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers any variety preferred
  • 3 cloves Garlic adjust quantity to taste

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • large bowl
  • medium bowl
  • large skillet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to keep meatballs tender. Form into small meatballs and set aside.
    Sweet And Sour Meatballs
  2. For Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F. Place meatballs in a single layer and air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway. For Oven: Preheat to 400°F, bake meatballs on parchment-lined sheet for 20-25 minutes until cooked.
    Sweet And Sour Meatballs
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until fully dissolved.
    Sweet And Sour Meatballs
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and bell peppers for 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    Sweet And Sour Meatballs
  5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with vegetables, bring to a simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks, tossing to coat.
    Sweet And Sour Meatballs
  6. Serve over white rice or noodles, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and enjoy your Sweet and Sour Meatballs!
    Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 14gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs are great for meal prep and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. Adjust sweetness in the sauce to balance flavors.

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