Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Everyone Will Love this Recipe for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

As a working mom of 3 littles, I understand the daily hustle and the never-ending quest to find quick, healthy meals that everyone will love. Between the beautiful chaos of daily life, finding time to cook can feel like an impossible task. That’s why I work hard to make recipes like this Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe—it’s a lifesaver!

These meatballs are super tasty and come together with minimal effort, leaving you more time to focus on what truly matters: spending quality moments with your family.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Quick – In just 30 minutes, this meal is ready to eat! You can save even more time by using store-bought meatballs instead.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone from my baby, to my picky toddler, my “independent” 6-year-old and even my foodie husband loves this meal!
• Healthy and Balanced – Vegetables, protein, and carbs come together in this quick meal in just one bowl – no need for extra sides to get those veggies in.
• The Sauce – It’s all about that flavorful, next-level sweet and sour sauce in this recipe!

Love meatballs? Try my Baked Spinach Chicken Meatballs and Mediterranean Salad Bowls w/ Lebanese BBQ Meatballs.

Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe Ingredients

The meatballs, sweet and sour sauce, and stir-fry all contain basic ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

Meatballs

• Ground Beef – Sub with ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer!
• Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs help keep meatballs tender and moist. You can easily make these gluten-free by substituting them with an equal amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Eggs – Our binder! If you have an egg allergy a flax egg will work great to bind the meatballs together.
• Salt/Pepper – There are exact amounts on the recipe to make it easy for you, but adjust to your taste!

Sauce

• Soy Sauce – Use regular, low-sodium soy sauce, or Tamari for a gluten-free alternative. You can also substitute with coconut aminos to cut out the soy.
• Rice Vinegar – Typically found in the international foods aisle of your grocery store, rice wine vinegar is slightly sweet and tangy. Sub equal amounts of apple cider vinegar in a pinch!
• Brown Sugar – The small amount of brown sugar balances all of the flavors and adds depth to the sauce. You can use coconut sugar as a substitute.
• Chicken Broth – Use homemade, store-bought, or substitute with veggie broth! Whatever you prefer will work!
• Pineapple Juice – Canned or bottled pineapple juice is the easiest, but feel free to make your own from fresh pineapple.
• Tomato Paste – I love using the tomato paste that comes in the tube. It makes it so much easier to measure and use.
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch is the thickener for our sauce! It helps create a thick, silky sauce that coats the meatballs. Substitute with equal parts tapioca starch if you prefer.

Stir Fry

• Avocado Oil
• Onion and Bell Peppers – Yellow or white onions work best, and I love the sweet and colorful yellow, red, and/or orange bell peppers for this recipe.
• Pineapple – Canned or fresh pineapple will both work in this recipe.
• Rice – I find that jasmine rice, brown rice, and even cauliflower rice are all great matches for this recipe!
• Cilantro and Green Onions (Optional) – Sprinkle these on top before serving or see the other ideas for toppings below!

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

While the meatballs bake in the oven, you cook the veggies and prepare the sauce. Everything gets tossed together before serving! Follow these easy steps to make it:

1. Preheat the oven and mix up the meatballs.
2. Bake the shaped meatballs for 12-15 minutes.
3. Sauté the veggies in a large pan and prepare the sauce.
4. Add the meatballs and sauce to the veggies and let the sauce thicken.
5. Stir in the pineapple, serve over rice, and top with cilantro and green onions.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Sweet Sour Meatballs Variations

• Meatballs – You can make meatballs with whatever ground meat you prefer! Ground turkey or ground chicken would be delicious or use this fail-proof Vegan Meatball Recipe for a meat-free meal!
• Crockpot – Make these Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the crockpot by quickly browning the meatballs in a skillet. Add them to the slow cooker, and top them with the sauce ingredients, and veggies. Cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with the rice, just like normal!
• Veggies – I love the bell peppers and onions in this recipe, but the best choice is whatever veggies your family likes! Some tasty ideas are sugar snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, bok choy, and water chestnuts.
• Toppings – Who doesn’t love a crunchy or spicy topping? Add some chili oil crunch, crushed peanuts, crispy wonton strips, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Serve it With – Switch up this meal by pairing it with Thai Pineapple Fried Rice or The Best Cauliflower Fried Rice.

What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs

While this recipe is already a full meal on it’s own, these flavorful meatballs pair perfectly with so many easy sides! Here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:

• Rosemary Mushroom Rice Pilaf
• Cauliflower Rice – For a lower-carb option that still tastes amazing.
• Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans – Adds color, texture, and an easy way to sneak in more veggies!
• Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
• Stir-Fried Noodles – Toss up some noodles with sesame oil and garlic for a fun twist.
• Easy Quinoa Salad
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – Great for a little something extra on the side (especially for dinner guests or picky eaters!).

Storing Sweet n Sour Meatballs

Refrigerator – Cool completely, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezer – Cool completely, place in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating – From the fridge: lightly cover and heat for 2-3 minutes stirring halfway through. From the freezer: lightly cover and heat for 3-4 minutes stirring halfway through.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try

• Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls
• Honey Sesame Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
• Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
• Spicy Chicken Ramen
• Miso Noodle Bowls with Roasted Mushrooms