Savory Pineapple Sweet & Sour Meatballs
This delightful Sweet & Sour Meatball recipe has been a cherished favorite in my family since childhood. Inspired by a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook, the combination of juicy, homemade meatballs enveloped in a tangy and sweet pineapple sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please any palate. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish brings comfort and joy to the table.
4
Servings
240
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
hamburger
1 lb (ground beef)
dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (plain)
milk
1/4 cup (regular)
onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (regular)
egg
1 (large)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (to thicken)
pineapple chunks
1 (13 ounce) can (with syrup)
vinegar
1/3 cup (white or apple cider)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (regular)
green pepper
1 small (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the ground hamburger, dry breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onions, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Alternatively, you can bake them in an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until they are lightly browned.
4
Once cooked, drain the excess fat from the meatballs and set aside.
5
In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
6
Stir in the pineapple (including its syrup), vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
7
Add the browned meatballs to the pineapple sauce, cover the pan, and let simmer while occasionally stirring for about 10 minutes.
8
Finally, stir in the chopped green pepper, cover the pan again, and simmer until the peppers are crispy-tender, approximately 5 more minutes.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
17g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Pineapple Sweet & Sour Meatballs.
What was the inspiration for this meatball recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook.
What kind of meat is used for the meatballs?
The recipe uses one pound of ground hamburger beef.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for the meatball mixture?
The mixture consists of ground hamburger, dry breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onions, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and an egg.
How large should the meatballs be shaped?
The meatballs should be shaped into small rounds approximately 1 inch in diameter.
How long do the meatballs cook in a skillet?
In a skillet, they should cook for about 20 minutes until browned on all sides.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
What oven temperature is required for baking the meatballs?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
They should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.
What should I do after the meatballs are cooked?
You should drain the excess fat from the meatballs before proceeding.
How is the sweet and sour sauce base made?
The sauce is made by whisking together brown sugar and cornstarch, then stirring in pineapple with syrup, vinegar, and soy sauce.
What kind of pineapple is used in this recipe?
One 13-ounce can of pineapple chunks with its syrup is required.
What types of vinegar are recommended?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the sweet and sour sauce.
How long should the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs should simmer in the pineapple sauce for about 10 minutes.
When should the green peppers be added?
The chopped green peppers should be added after the meatballs have simmered for 10 minutes.
How long do the green peppers need to cook?
The peppers should simmer for approximately 5 minutes until they are crispy-tender.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of plain dry breadcrumbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is tagged as an excellent dish for potlucks and family gatherings.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of regular soy sauce.
What size of green pepper is needed?
One small green pepper, chopped, is sufficient.
How much brown sugar is in the sauce?
The sauce uses 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the texture goal for the green peppers?
The peppers should be cooked until they reach a 'crispy-tender' texture.
Do I need to stir the sauce while bringing it to a boil?
Yes, you should stir the sauce constantly while bringing it to a boil.