Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the pineapple chunks and chopped bell pepper to the sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce to thicken it.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan and coat them in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over cooked white rice, and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
For a fun twist, try swapping the bell pepper for a combination of red and yellow or even thinly sliced carrots. If you’re short on time, store-bought meatballs can work in a pinch. Just ensure they are thoroughly heated before adding to the sauce.
Storage Instructions and Ingredient Substitutions
Leftover sweet and sour meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. If you don’t have ground beef, ground chicken or turkey makes a great alternative, adding a different but delicious flavor and texture.
Pairings
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp, green salad to balance the rich flavors. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. Cool beverages such as iced tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon complement the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.
