Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Juicy meatballs are coated in a glossy pineapple-based sour sauce with just the right balance of vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar which gives them so much flavor.

Serve them as an easy appetizer for parties, potlucks, or game day—or pair them with steamed rice and veggies for a quick weeknight dinner. This family-friendly recipe comes together in under an hour. If you have made our Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs then you are going to love this stovetop recipe.

Ingredients

• Brown Sugar – If you are out, see The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes
• Rice Vinegar – See The Best Substitutes for Rice Vinegar
• Ketchup – You can make Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce – If you are out, see Best Soy Sauce Substitute
• Frozen Meatballs – If using frozen meatballs, you can easily use any of your favorites: beef, turkey or ground chicken.
• Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce
• Pineapple Chunks in juice – Feel free to use fresh pineapple
• Bell Peppers – Cut red Bell Pepper and Yellow Bell Pepper large pieces
• Green Onions – Optional Topping

Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Step 1 – Add the brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, soy sauce, pineapple juice from the can of pineapple and water to a large skillet. Whisk to combine the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a low boil.

Step 2 – Add the meatballs to the pan. Stir to combine. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.

Step 3 – Stir in the bell peppers, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Step 4 – Combine cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Pour this mixture and the pineapple into the pan. Simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5 – Remove from heat (the sauce will thicken more as it cools). Serve as is or over rice, topped with the green onions, and enjoy!

What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These sweet and sour meatballs are great to serve as an appetizer or you can serve as a main dish recipe.

We usually serve these meatballs over Instant pot White Rice Recipe or Microwave Brown Rice with a side of Teriyaki Vegetables for a complete meal idea.