Sweet and sour meatballs are one of those magical dishes that just scream comfort food! The way the tangy sauce wraps around those tender meatballs creates a delicious dance of sweet and savory flavors that’s hard to resist. I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish for my family—they devoured them in minutes! It’s been a staple at our dinner table ever since. I love how easy they are to whip up, yet they feel special enough for a gathering or cozy night in. Trust me, once you taste these meatballs, you’ll understand why they’ve stolen a spot in my heart (and stomach)!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best sweet and sour meatballs! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I love using plain or Italian for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (this adds a lovely sweetness)
- 1 egg (helps bind everything together)
- 1/4 cup milk (for moisture and tenderness)
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better!)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for that umami kick)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning is important!)
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create that irresistible flavor profile. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Preparing sweet and sour meatballs is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love the process! Let’s get started!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures your meatballs cook evenly, giving you that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Trust me, a properly preheated oven makes all the difference!
Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Get your hands in there! Mixing thoroughly not only ensures every bite is packed with flavor, but it also helps the meatballs hold together. I like to mix until it’s just combined—overmixing can make them tough, and nobody wants that!
Shape and Bake
Now, let’s shape those meatballs! Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space to breathe—about an inch apart is perfect. This way, they’ll cook evenly without sticking together.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. Give it a good stir! This sauce is where the magic happens—it balances the sweetness with a tangy kick. Feel free to taste it and adjust as needed; you want a flavor that makes your taste buds dance!
Bake the Meatballs
Pour that delicious sauce over the meatballs, coating them generously. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Look for a nice caramelization on the edges, that’s a sign of flavor! Let them cool just a bit before serving, and then dig in!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note on the nutritional information: the values I’ve provided are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like fat content in ground beef or the type of sweet and sour sauce can make a difference. So, while I’ve done my best to give you a good estimate, keep in mind that these numbers may not be exact!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and sour meatballs are not just a meal; they’re an experience! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick preparation—whip them up in under an hour!
- Irresistibly flavorful with that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Versatile serving options—enjoy them with rice, noodles, or even on their own!
- Great for meal prep; they taste even better the next day!
- A crowd-pleaser that’s bound to impress family and friends alike.
Once you try these meatballs, they’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Tips for Success
To make sure your sweet and sour meatballs turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if you want a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little more sweet and sour sauce or even a dash of honey—just taste as you go! If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works great and still gives you that yummy flavor. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting them sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, these small tweaks can elevate your dish to the next level!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving sweet and sour meatballs, the options are endless! They shine beautifully over a bed of fluffy rice—white or brown, it’s all good! Noodles are another fantastic option; try them with some stir-fried veggies for a colorful plate. You can even serve them as sliders on mini buns for a fun twist at gatherings! Don’t forget a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance out the meal. Trust me, these pairings will take your dinner to a whole new level!
FAQ Section
Got questions about sweet and sour meatballs? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftover sweet and sour meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They taste even better the next day!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe! It’s a lighter option and still holds onto that delicious flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat them? For the best results, reheat your meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it!
Got more questions? Feel free to ask—I’m here to help you make the best sweet and sour meatballs ever!
Imprimer
Sweet and Sour Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Food Bliss
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors in a meatball dish.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, combine sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with rice or noodles.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sauce.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: sweet and sour meatballs, meatball recipe, easy meatballs
