Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s tangy, sweet, and downright addictive? These easy sweet and sour meatballs are a nostalgic favorite passed down through generations—and for good reason. Juicy meatballs simmered in a glossy, sweet-tart sauce, perfect over a bed of steamed rice.
This dish hits that magical balance of flavor and ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights, holiday potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.
PrintSweet and Sour Meatballs
- Yield: 4 people
Description
This version is inspired by a classic homemade recipe that’s been loved by families for decades. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just pantry staples and big flavor.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef – Choose 80/20 for juicy meatballs.
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs – Plain or Italian-style work well.
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion – Adds savory depth without chopping.
- 1 egg – Binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup milk – Helps keep the meatballs moist.
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar – Gives the sauce that signature sweetness and depth.
- ¾ cup ketchup – Adds tang and richness.
- ½ cup white vinegar – For a bright (tangy bite.)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds umami and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder – Optional (but great for a subtle zing.)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meatballs may become tough.
Shape and Bake
- Form into small, 1-inch meatballs (a cookie scoop helps keep them uniform). Place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Mix the Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, combine all the sauce ingredients—brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and mustard powder—in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer until sugar is dissolved and sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
Coat and Finish
- Remove the meatballs from the oven. Drain any excess grease, then pour the warm sweet and sour sauce over them. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the meatballs.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatball
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef – Choose 80/20 for juicy meatballs.
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs – Plain or Italian-style work well.
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion – Adds savory depth without chopping.
- 1 egg – Binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup milk – Helps keep the meatballs moist.
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar – Gives the sauce that signature sweetness and depth.
- ¾ cup ketchup – Adds tang and richness.
- ½ cup white vinegar – For a bright, tangy bite.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds umami and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder – Optional, but great for a subtle zing.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meatballs may become tough.
3. Shape and Bake
Form into small, 1-inch meatballs (a cookie scoop helps keep them uniform). Place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Mix the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, combine all the sauce ingredients—brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and mustard powder—in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer until sugar is dissolved and sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
5. Coat and Finish
Remove the meatballs from the oven. Drain any excess grease, then pour the warm sweet and sour sauce over them. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the meatballs.
How to Serve Sweet and Sour Meatball
These meatballs shine when served over:
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Or even as a party appetizer with toothpicks!
Tips and FAQs for Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make and bake the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them. Add the sauce and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze sweet and sour meatballs?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. They reheat beautifully in the oven or slow cooker.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well—just be mindful of the lower fat content and consider adding a bit of oil or extra milk to keep them moist.
What can I substitute for ketchup?
Try chili sauce for a slightly spicier twist, or tomato paste mixed with a splash of vinegar and sugar.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Sour Meatball
No-fuss, pantry-friendly ingredients
- A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory
- Kid-approved and potluck-ready
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
- Customizable with your favorite protein or add-ins like pineapple!
Final Thoughts + Share Your Creations!
These sweet and sour meatballs are more than just a quick dinner—they’re comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a party, this recipe delivers every time. Leave a comment below if you try it, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to share your creation on social media using #MySweetAndSourMeatballs!