Name: Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons grated onion; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sweet and sour sauce; Prepared rice, for serving

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These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce that makes them completely irresistible. With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights and equally great for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs strike the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The meat mixture is loaded with flavor from soy sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, ginger, and onion. Once baked, they’re coated in a classic sweet and sour sauce that brings everything together. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, they’re satisfying, comforting, and totally crave-worthy. Plus, they’re baked—not fried—making cleanup easier and the process more hands-off.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients

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

ground beef
breadcrumbs
egg
grated onion
light brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
soy sauce
grated ginger
salt
sweet and sour sauce
prepared rice, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and salt. Mix until just combined—do not overwork the mixture.
Shape meatballs: Form into 1½-inch balls and place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
Heat the sauce: Warm the sweet and sour sauce in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave it in a heat-safe bowl until hot.
Coat meatballs: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat them evenly.
Serve: Spoon the saucy meatballs over prepared rice and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the bowl.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Pineapple twist: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce before tossing with the meatballs for a tropical flavor.
Spicy version: Stir in chili flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sweet and sour sauce.
Meat swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of beef for a lighter version.
Vegetable mix: Serve with sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or steamed broccoli.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm meatballs in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or sauce to loosen if needed.

Freezer: Freeze the cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Bake according to package instructions and toss in the heated sweet and sour sauce.

What’s the best type of ground meat for this recipe?

Ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20) works best for juicy meatballs, but you can use leaner beef or other meats like turkey.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs up to 2 days in advance. Reheat them with the sauce just before serving.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to include enough binder (breadcrumbs and egg) and avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Can I fry the meatballs instead of baking?

Yes, pan-fry in a bit of oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.

Is store-bought sweet and sour sauce okay?

Yes, any store-bought sweet and sour sauce will work, but you can also make a homemade version if preferred.

What sides go well with sweet and sour meatballs?

Steamed rice, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles make great pairings.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture or the sauce for extra heat.

Can I bake the meatballs in the sauce?

It’s best to bake them separately so they brown nicely, then toss in the warmed sauce.

How many meatballs does this recipe make?

You’ll get about 18–20 medium-sized meatballs, depending on how you portion them.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, easy to make, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe delivers tender meatballs coated in a bold, flavorful sauce. Serve them over rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Jessica