Irresistible Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These delectable sweet and sour meatballs are a savory twist to your dinner table, featuring juicy ground meat infused with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Cooked in a luscious homemade sauce, they can be enjoyed over rice or as a hearty appetizer. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to please everyone!
ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
- 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
steps
- 1.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 3.
Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- 4.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until browned.
- 5.
In a saucepan, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- 6.
Add pineapple chunks and chopped bell pepper to the sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- 7.
(Optional) If you desire a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, cook until thickened.
- 8.
Add baked meatballs to the sauce and coat them thoroughly.
- 9.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds, over rice or on their own!