Name: Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; ½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion; ½ cup plain breadcrumbs; ½ cup whole milk; 2 large eggs, slightly beaten; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, juices reserved; ¾ cup BBQ sauce; ½ cup sweet chili sauce; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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I love how these Sweet and Sour Meatballs bring together juicy, tender bites of meat in a perfectly balanced sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and rich. It’s a quick, comforting recipe that fits beautifully into a weeknight dinner or a party spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. It uses everyday ingredients and takes very little time to prep. I can easily prepare it in advance, freeze leftovers, and even adjust the flavor depending on what I’m in the mood for. It’s also great for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatballs

2 pounds of lean ground beef
½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
½ cup plain breadcrumbs
½ cup whole milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Sweet and Sour Sauce

1 (20-ounce) can of pineapple chunks, juices reserved
¾ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup sweet chili sauce
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then I mix the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper until everything is fully combined. Using a small scoop or spoon, I form the mixture into meatballs and place them evenly in the dish.

Next, I whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. I pour this sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle the pineapple chunks on top. I bake everything uncovered for about 45 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.

I like to serve this dish warm over a bed of rice.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: about 38 meatballs

Variations

Sometimes I switch things up by using ground turkey instead of beef when I want something a little lighter. I also like adding chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots into the baking dish for extra color and texture. For a different flavor profile, I’ve even tried using teriyaki sauce in place of the BBQ sauce. And when I’m short on time, pre-cooked meatballs make a great shortcut—just reduce the baking time slightly.

storage/reheating

Make-Ahead: I can shape the meatballs and store them (uncooked) in the fridge for up to a day in advance.
In the Fridge: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to four days.
In the Freezer: Once cooled, I freeze the meatballs and sauce in a sealed container for up to two months.
Reheating: I reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave smaller portions until heated through. I make sure to cover them to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, I like using ground turkey when I want a lighter version. It still turns out flavorful and tender.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually mix and shape them a day ahead, then store them in the fridge until I’m ready to bake.

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

I reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce or use a mild version to tone down the heat. It’s easy to adjust depending on my taste.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works great. I just make sure to add a bit of extra juice or liquid to replace what would have come from the can.

What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?

I usually serve them over white rice, but they’re also great with noodles or even as a party appetizer with toothpicks.

Conclusion

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious mix of convenience and homemade comfort. I love how easy it is to put together a satisfying, flavorful meal with just a handful of ingredients. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or prepping ahead for a busy week, this recipe always hits the spot.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: About 38 meatballs
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

Juicy beef meatballs baked in a tangy-sweet sauce made with pineapple, BBQ, and chili sauce. A comforting, versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Form mixture into meatballs using a scoop or spoon and place them evenly in the prepared dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk reserved pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour sauce evenly over the meatballs and sprinkle pineapple chunks on top.
Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked and sauce is bubbly.
Serve warm over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.