By Bring Sweet and Sour Meatballs to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Sweet and Sour Meatballs becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
Mix everything together until well combined.
Shape the Meatballs:
Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is thickened and well blended.
Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the tangy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these flavorful Sweet and Sour Meatballs over rice or noodles, or enjoy them on their own as a delightful appetizer.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
