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4.98 from 400 votes

Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are an easy dinner with meatballs, pineapple, peppers, and more, all made in about 20 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Servings: 6
Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar, loosely packed
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2¼ cups pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 25 all-purpose meatballs, frozen is fine
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup drained small pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
  • rice for serving

Instructions

  • Add brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and 2 cups of pineapple juice to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
  • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and the remaining ¼ cup pineapple juice, whisking to get out all the lumps. Whisk into your skillet.
  • Add meatballs and chopped peppers. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are heated through.
  • Stir in pineapple chunks. Serve warm over rice. Top with green onion.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.
  • Use frozen meatballs to make this recipe extra quick for busy nights.
  • Whisk the cornstarch with pineapple juice before adding it to the skillet so the sauce stays smooth.
  • Keep the skillet at a simmer after adding the meatballs so the sauce thickens and the meatballs heat through.
  • Add the pineapple chunks at the end so they stay juicy and do not break down too much.
  • Make-ahead tip: Make the sauce and meatballs ahead, then reheat gently and serve over fresh rice.
Make a freezer meal. Cook the sauce according to the recipe and simmer to thicken. Remove from the heat and cool. Add meatballs and peppers, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. You can heat them in the slow cooker or stovetop. 
Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or 3 months in the freezer. For best results reheat in the oven, or on the stovetop, but the microwave also works.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 1341IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg