Sweet and sour meatballs are a classic comfort food loved by both kids and adults. The irresistible combination of tangy and sweet flavors makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish is perfect for a weeknight family dinner, a potluck with friends, or even a fun party appetizer. From quick weeknight meals to special occasions, sweet and sour meatballs bring a delicious balance of sweet and savory to the table. If you’re looking for other great appetizer options, try these Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
Why this Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe is Special
This recipe stands out because it’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s super customizable! You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, and even the type of meat to fit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
This recipe is divided into two parts: the meatballs and the sweet and sour sauce. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef, pork, or a mixture (I often use a blend for extra flavor!)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned). For a gluten-free option, check out this guide on gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (optional, but it adds a nice touch)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 (12-ounce) jar grape jelly (you can also use cranberry sauce or apricot preserves)
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (white vinegar works too)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for a deeper savory flavor)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (optional, for a tropical twist)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions: Making the Best Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These step-by-step instructions will guide you through creating delicious sweet and sour meatballs. For another easy chicken dish, try this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
Preparing the Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
You have two options for cooking the meatballs: baking or frying. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. For frying, heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the grape jelly, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (if using), pineapple juice (if using), and brown sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the jelly is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or sourness as needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. For a tangier sauce, add a splash more vinegar.
Combining Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine them. Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly. Continue to cook over low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Looking for more crockpot recipes? Explore these Crockpot Chicken Recipes.
Slow Cooker Variation: Brown the meatballs as directed. Combine sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and add the browned meatballs. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
Instant Pot Variation: Brown the meatballs using the sauté function. Add the sauce ingredients and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These sweet and sour meatballs are incredibly versatile. They’re not just for dinner! Think about serving them as appetizers for parties or game day snacks. Kids especially love them, making them a perfect addition to lunch boxes or a fun after-school treat. For some healthy meal prep ideas, check out this resource on Meal Prep.
Side Dish Pairings
Wondering what goes well with sweet and sour meatballs? The classic choice is steamed white rice. It soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. Fluffy mashed potatoes are another comforting option. For a lighter meal, serve the meatballs with quinoa or steamed veggies like broccoli and carrots. Try this simple recipe for Roasted Broccoli and Carrots.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving the meatballs over egg noodles or even couscous. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find your favorite combinations!
Sweet and Sour Meatball Variations
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to make it your own! Ground beef is traditional, but you can easily substitute ground turkey, or chicken. For a healthier option, try lean ground meat. Learn more about the health benefits of lean protein here.
Mix things up by adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more brown sugar or honey. You can even experiment with different fruit preserves in the sauce like apricot or cranberry. The possibilities are endless!
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making sweet and sour meatballs. For more delicious beef recipes, consider checking out these Beef Recipes.
What can I use instead of grape jelly for meatballs?
If you don’t have grape jelly, several substitutes work well. Cranberry sauce adds a tart and festive flavor, while apricot preserves offer a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste. Other fruit preserves like peach or raspberry can also be used, but keep in mind they will alter the final flavor profile.
Should you bake or fry meatballs first?
Both baking and frying work well for sweet and sour meatballs. Baking is a healthier option, as it requires less oil and produces leaner meatballs. Frying, on the other hand, creates a crispier exterior. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference.
What is sweet and sour sauce called?
Sweet and sour sauce has different names depending on the cuisine. In Spanish, it’s often called “agridulce,” while in Chinese cuisine, it’s known as “tangcu.” Different cultures have their own variations, each with unique flavor profiles.
Why do meatballs fall apart when frying?
Meatballs can fall apart when frying for a few reasons. Make sure you’re using enough binder, such as breadcrumbs or egg, in the meatball mixture. Avoid overmixing the meat, as this can make them tough and prone to crumbling. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the meatballs, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their shape.
Tips for Success and Storage
Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect sweet and sour meatballs every time, along with storage advice.
Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers
You can easily make the meatballs and the sauce ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and store them raw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftover cooked meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sweet and Sour Meatballs
For best results when reheating, use the stovetop. Gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as this can make the meatballs dry. For a crispier reheated meatball, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious sweet and sour meatballs with your family and friends. This recipe is a true weeknight winner – easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a hit with everyone. Remember, you can customize the recipe to fit your own tastes. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you create. Happy cooking!
Print
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Total Time: 41 minute
- Yield: Estimate: 4-6 servings
Description
A classic comfort food, these sweet and sour meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner, potluck, or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef, pork, or a mixture
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 (12-ounce) jar grape jelly (or cranberry sauce/apricot preserves)
- ½ cup chili sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs: Gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes OR fry in oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (5-7 minutes). Adjust sweetness/sourness as needed.
4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add cooked meatballs to the sauce. Stir to coat. Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes.
Notes
For slow cooker: Brown meatballs, combine sauce ingredients in slow cooker, add meatballs, cook on low for 2-3 hours. For Instant Pot: Brown meatballs using sauté function, add sauce ingredients, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, natural release for 10 minutes. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add chopped vegetables to the meatball mixture. Adjust sauce sweetness/spiciness with brown sugar or red pepper flakes. Use different fruit preserves for variations.
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Method: Baking, Frying, Slow Cooking, Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (estimated)
Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, meatballs, sweet and sour sauce, appetizers, dinner, party food, easy recipe, quick recipe, family friendly, kid-friendly, ground beef, ground pork, crockpot, instant pot, variations