Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Creamy Pineapple Sauce

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Creamy Pineapple Sauce

This Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Creamy Pineapple Sauce balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Creamy Pineapple Sauce captures the essence of drinks 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 with Creamy Pineapple Sauce becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

For the Meatballs:
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)

PREPARATION STEPS

Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl,ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black 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 in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the flour, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Gradually add the pineapple juice and reserved 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, stirring until smooth.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream and pineapple chunks, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Combine:
Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
Serve:
Serve the sweet and sour meatballs warm, garnished with additional pineapple chunks if desired.

ORIGIN

Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.

META INFOS

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy

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

Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad

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.

Related Articles