These sweet and sour meatballs are a perfect combination of tender meatballs in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. This classic recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, and garlic. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Slowly pour the mixture into the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the sweet and sour meatballs over cooked rice and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Sweet and sour meatballs are a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine.
The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar gives the sauce its signature sweet and tangy flavor.
Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen for a quick and easy meal option.