Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Transform your weeknight dinners with this simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe for Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs! Juicy, homemade beef meatballs are seared to perfection and then simmered in a tangy, pineapple-infused sweet-and-sour sauce that's made from pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe delivers bold, well-balanced flavors with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Pair these saucy meatballs with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying main course, or serve them as an irresistible appetizer at your next gathering. Quick to prep, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile, these homemade meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 1 large Egg
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Ketchup
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 0.25 cup Pineapple juice (optional)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Water
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (for cooking)

Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 2

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 4

In the same skillet, combine ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if using). Stir over medium heat until the sauce begins to simmer.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 6

Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Cover and let them simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through completely.

Step 7

Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	986.4 grams (986.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1922

Total Fat 119.60g	153%
Saturated Fat 39.30g	197%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 546mg	182%
Sodium 4122mg	179%
Total Carbohydrate 127.70g	46%
Dietary Fiber 2.60g	9%
Total Sugars 69.90g
Protein 95.90g	192%

Vitamin D 81IU	403%
Calcium 225mg	17%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 1513mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.6%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 25.9%