Description
This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe features tender, juicy meatballs coated in a tangy and flavorful homemade sauce. Made with ground beef and a blend of classic seasonings, these meatballs are pan-fried to perfection and then smothered in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce, making them perfect as an appetizer or a hearty main dish served over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup water (or more if you prefer a thinner sauce)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter, yielding approximately 20-24 meatballs depending on size.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through. Alternatively, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes if you prefer baking.
- Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: While the meatballs cook, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Adjust consistency with additional water if desired.
- Coat the Meatballs: Remove cooked meatballs from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Pour the warm sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to evenly coat.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour meatballs immediately, either as an appetizer or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- You can bake the meatballs instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Adjust the sauce thickness with water to your preference.
- Serve over steamed rice or alongside vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice touch for garnish and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
