Description
These Sweet & Sour Meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a tangy homemade sauce that’s both savory and sweet. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish served over rice — they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
- For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs and set aside on a plate.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (you may need to work in batches). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened.
- If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal.
Notes
- Make ahead and freeze the meatballs for a quicker meal next time.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Add chopped bell peppers or pineapple for an extra sweet-and-savory twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, easy meatball recipe, meatball appetizer, beef meatballs, sweet sauce meatballs