Cooking is one of the most comforting activities we can engage in, and making Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs brings a sense of warmth and togetherness. This dish offers the perfect balance of savory and sweet, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. I believe everyone deserves a go-to recipe that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. These meatballs are that recipe—a delightful choice to share with loved ones or to indulge in on a quiet night at home.
At the core of this dish is 1 pound of ground beef, which forms the heartiness of the meatballs. The 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs helps bind everything together, while 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion brings in a mild sweetness and fragrance. The mixture is moistened with 1 egg and 1/4 cup of milk to ensure tenderness. To enhance the flavor, we sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. The sauce is a key highlight, made from 1 cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, creating a delightful balance of tangy and sweet that perfectly coats the meatballs.
Making these meatballs is straightforward. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. After mixing until everything is well combined, form them into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce in a saucepan, letting it simmer. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce, allowing them to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot, and enjoy!
These Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are not just perfect for a cozy family dinner but also for gatherings with friends. Imagine inviting loved ones over for a casual potluck. Their reactions will be priceless once they taste these tender meatballs bathed in that irresistible, flavorful sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Quick to Prepare: The steps are simple, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Comfort Food: The familiar flavors provide a sense of home and comfort.
- Versatile Dish: Great for dinner or as an appetizer for gatherings.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these sweet and tangy meatballs.
Ground Beef Tips
When selecting ground beef for your meatballs, look for 80/20 ground beef, which includes 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio ensures juicy and flavorful meatballs. The fat helps prevent drying out during cooking while providing a richer taste. Also, check the color and smell—fresh ground beef should be bright red and have a clean scent. Avoid any with a brownish hue or unpleasant smell, which could indicate spoilage.
Options for Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: A healthier alternative that works well for those looking for lower-fat options.
- Oats: Instead of breadcrumbs, try using oats for an added fiber boost.
- Any Onion: Substitute green onions or shallots if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
- Milk Alternatives: Use almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free options.
- Sugar Alternatives: Consider using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweet flavor.
- Vinegar Choices: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can also work well.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the meatballs. Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be cooked through but still juicy. Generally, 20-25 minutes should suffice, but using a meat thermometer for accuracy can help, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Another pitfall is not seasoning properly. It’s easy to forget to add salt and pepper to the meat mixture. Make sure to taste a small piece before baking; adjusting the seasoning will elevate the overall flavor.
You’ll also want to be careful when adding the meatballs to the sauce—simmer gently instead of boiling aggressively. This method ensures the sauce coats the meatballs without breaking them apart, preserving their shape and texture.
What to Serve With Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with fluffy white rice or lightly buttered noodles, allowing the sauce to be soaked up beautifully. A fresh green salad can provide a refreshing crunch alongside, while steamed vegetables add a nutritious touch to your dinner plate. Another lovely option is serving them in sub rolls to create delightful meatball sandwiches.
Storage Instructions
Store: Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for 3 to 4 months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes at a time until heated through.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 90-100g
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix the mixture well until fully combined. This is the foundation for your meatballs.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Simmer together for an additional 10 minutes to allow the meatballs to fully absorb those delicious flavors.
In conclusion, these Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy both your cravings and your family. As you prepare this cozy dish, take a moment to appreciate the love and effort put into each meatball. I invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts. If you enjoy it, I have plenty of other warming recipes waiting to be explored. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before cooking. They can also be frozen for later use.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice or gluten-free oats.
How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F. They should also be browned and firm to the touch.
Print
Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting blend of savory and sweet meatballs coated in a tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, in a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan and simmer together for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
Serve with rice, noodles, or as meatball sandwiches. Can be prepared ahead of time and frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg