Sweet and Sour Meatballs – These sweet and sour meatballs are a perfect blend of savory meatballs and a tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party. The sauce perfectly balances sweet and sour flavors, making it an irresistible dish for all.
My family and I absolutely love these sweet and sour meatballs. They have become a staple in our household and are often requested for dinner parties. I still remember the first time I made them; my husband took one bite and declared them the best meatballs he had ever tasted. Now, whenever I make them, my little family gobbles them up in no time.
Why This Recipe Rocks?
- Perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Simple and easy-to-follow recipe that yields perfectly tender meatballs every time.
- The sauce is made with common pantry ingredients that are easy to find.
- It can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer for a party.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser and will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
Meatballs:
- 680 grams (1.5 lbs.) lean ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
- 90 grams (3/4 cup) quick oats or old-fashioned oats that have been lightly pulsed in a blender
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Sauce:
- 50-100 grams (1/4-1/2 cup) brown sugar, depending on how sweet you want the sauce
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot cooked rice for serving
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients and mix well.
Form the mixture into 12 meatballs, about 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter.
Place the meatballs in a lightly greased 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) pan.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are coated evenly.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve over hot, cooked rice.
Notes:
- Lean ground meat works best for this recipe, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the quick oats with gluten-free oats or almond flour.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by using more or less brown sugar.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to fit your needs.
In conclusion, Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the sweet and tangy sauce adds the perfect amount of zing. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you need to put together a quick and satisfying meal for your family. With simple ingredients and easy directions, you can have a mouth-watering dinner on the table in no time. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious it is? Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground meat. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for the oats?
You can use gluten-free oats or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before pouring it over the meatballs.
What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious served over hot, cooked rice. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 680 grams 1.5 lbs. lean ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
- 90 grams 3/4 cup quick oats or old-fashioned oats that have been lightly pulsed in a blender
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 60 ml 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Sauce:
- 50-100 grams 1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar, depending on how sweet you want the sauce
- 60 ml 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 60 ml 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients and mix well.
- Form the mixture into 12 meatballs, about 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in a lightly greased 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) pan.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are coated evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve over hot, cooked rice.
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