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A close-up of sweet and sour meatballs with pineapple chunks, red and yellow bell peppers, and green onion slices, all coated in a glossy sweet and sour sauce. More meatballs and vegetables are visible in the background—a mouthwatering meatballs recipe.
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a tangy homemade sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, dinner over rice, or a make-ahead freezer meal. They are ready in 25 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 6
Author: Carrie Barnard
Cost: TOTAL RECIPE COST: $12.37, COST PER SERVING (6 servings): $2.06

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Brown Sugar
  • ½ cup Rice Vinegar
  • ¼ cup Ketchup
  • 2 teaspoon Minced Garlic
  • ¼ cup Soy Sauce
  • ⅓ cup Water
  • 1 bag Frozen Meatballs 24-28 ounces, approximately 25 meatballs
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1 can Pineapple Chunks in juice 8 ounces, juice and pineapple divided
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper cut into large pieces
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper cut into large pieces
  • 2 Green Onions sliced, for serving

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, whisk together ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup rice vinegar, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ¼ cup soy sauce, the juice from 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, and ? cup water until combined.
  • Bring the sauce mixture to a low boil over medium heat.
  • Add 1 bag (24–28 oz) frozen meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat.
  • Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through.
  • Stir in 1 red bell pepper cut into large pieces and 1 yellow bell pepper cut into large pieces. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
  • Stir the cornstarch mixture and the pineapple chunks into the skillet.
  • Cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat (the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools).
  • Serve as is or over rice, topped with 2 sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

I love serving these as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.
You can use homemade meatballs if you prefer. If using homemade, use approximately 25 meatballs. If using frozen meatballs, you can easily use any of your favorites: beef, turkey or chicken.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 704mg | Potassium: 615mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 807IU | Vitamin C: 73mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg
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