Description

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are juicy, tender, and coated in a tangy homemade sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers, this recipe pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
½ cup ketchup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a plate or tray.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (10–12 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, water, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs (3–5 minutes).

Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles, or as a party appetizer. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated. Sauce thickens further as it cools. For a healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 410
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 95mg