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Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Juicy, tender meatballs tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce with pineapple and bell peppers - perfect for dinner or parties.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup bell peppers chopped, red and green
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks with juice
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup water

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and roll into 1-inch meatballs (about 20 to 24 meatballs).
  3. Chill the rolled meatballs in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
  5. Transfer browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
  6. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple chunks with juice, bell peppers, water, and cornstarch.
  7. Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 5 to 7 minutes).
  8. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss gently to coat each one completely.
  9. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Double the sauce for extra coating. Chill meatballs before browning to help them hold their shape. Use fresh pineapple if preferred, just add a splash of juice or water to balance the sauce.
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