Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs—a perfect appetizer or a main dish served with rice!

Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger (fresh or ground)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using).
   • Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
   • Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake the Meatballs:
   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one open to ensure it’s no longer pink in the middle.
3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
   • While the meatballs are baking, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:
   • Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
   • Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the tangy sweet and sour meatballs hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. They’re great on their own or served with steamed rice or veggies.

Optional Add-ins:

• Pineapple: For an extra tropical twist, add some pineapple chunks to the sauce just before simmering the meatballs in it.
• Bell Peppers: You can also stir in some diced bell peppers for added color and flavor in the sauce.

These Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, making them irresistible for any occasion. Enjoy!