Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet Sour Meatballs are easy to make and a great freezer meal. Smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce, bell peppers, and juicy pineapples, these homemade meatballs are delicious with steamed rice or noodles and sure to be a family favorite.
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 2 slice white bread
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck)
- 1 onion, peeled and grated
- 1 egg, well-beaten
- salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapples)
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, soak bread in milk. Tear with your hands until it resembles a soft paste.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked bread, grated onions, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Gently mix until combined.
- 3
Using a small scoop, portion about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture and roll between palms of hands into a 1-inch diameter ball.
- 4
Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 10 to 15 minutes or until firm.
- 5
In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until well-blended and set aside.
- 6
In a wide pan over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add bell peppers and cook for about 30 to 40 seconds. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- 7
In the pan, add another 1 tablespoon oil if needed. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side or just until lightly browned. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Keep warm.
- 8
Remove excess oil from the pan except for about 1 tablespoon. Add onions and cook until softened.
- 9
Add sweet and sauce mixture and bring to a boil.
- 10
Add browned meatballs in a single layer. Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until meatballs are fully cooked.
- 11
In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch and stir until smooth. Add to the pan, whisking to prevent lumps.
- 12
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened.
- 13
Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
- 14
Continue to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Serve hot.