Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a quick and flavorful dinner made with juicy meatballs tossed in a tangy homemade sauce, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in just 25 minutes and pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice. Whether you’re using homemade or frozen meatballs, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a fast and satisfying blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The sauce is made from pantry staples and comes together in minutes. It’s incredibly versatile—use it as a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or freezer meal. The use of frozen or prepared meatballs makes prep even easier without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sauce:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)

For the meatballs:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ medium yellow onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• 30 meatballs (prepared or frozen—see notes)

Directions

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Set aside.

2. In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Set aside.

3. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, red and green bell peppers, and pineapple. Cook for about 3 minutes, until lightly charred and just tender.

4. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Add the meatballs: Add prepared or frozen meatballs directly to the skillet. Simmer until meatballs are fully heated through. If using frozen meatballs, reduce the heat and cook longer to avoid burning the sauce.

6. Serve: Spoon over cooked white rice and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.

• Low-sugar version: Reduce the granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute.

• Homemade meatballs: Use your own beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs for a fresher option.

• Add more veggies: Include snap peas, zucchini, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.

• Pineapple juice swap: Use a splash of pineapple juice in place of some vinegar for a sweeter tang.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
To freeze: Freeze fully cooked and cooled meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, frozen meatballs work great. You can microwave them before adding or simmer them directly in the sauce until heated through.

What type of meatballs should I use?

Beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs all work. Choose your favorite or mix it up.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your meatballs are made without breadcrumbs or wheat.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add freshness and extra flavor. Cook them ahead of time and then add to the sauce.

What kind of rice goes best with this?

White jasmine or basmati rice pairs well. Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are good alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats very well. Make it ahead and store in the fridge, then reheat just before serving.

Can I use bottled sweet and sour sauce?

You can, but this homemade version is quick and more flavorful. It’s also easy to adjust to taste.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much while simmering.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, mango chunks or mandarin oranges can add a fun twist to the flavor profile.

How do I keep the sauce from burning?

Lower the heat when adding frozen meatballs or when simmering for longer periods, and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a fast, family-friendly dinner bursting with bold, satisfying flavors. With tender meatballs, crisp peppers, juicy pineapple, and a glossy homemade sauce, it’s a comforting meal that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. Serve it over rice for a weeknight favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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