Sweet and Sour Meatballs: An Easy Favorite Homemade Recipe

A versatile delight for any occasion, these scrumptious sweet and sour meatballs are easy to make and sure to satisfy.

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade meatballs, especially when they’re covered in a tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweet and sour. This Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is one of my favorite recipes for a reason—it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and loved by the whole family (even picky eaters). They can even be made up ahead of time, making it a time-saving treasure. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer or as a main dish over white rice, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home.

The Delicious Meatballs: Simple Ingredients, Full of Love

Let’s start with the meatballs, the heart of this dish. The meat mixture is made with a handful of simple ingredients, but don’t let that fool you—they’re packed with flavor. These ingredients come together to create tender and flavorful meatballs that soak up the tangy sauce super well. There’s something about the combination of ground beef, buttery cracker crumbs, and finely diced onion that creates a taste so comforting, you’ll want to make them again and again. 

The Tangy Sauce: One Easy Recipe, Many Great Options

Now, let’s talk about the sauce. It’s the star of the show, with just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s simple but oh-so-effective. This is the kind of sauce that makes you want to grab a spoon and take a taste before it even hits the meatballs! This sauce is also extremely versatile. Once you make it, you’ll see what I mean… we especially like it with stir-fry.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup cracker crumbs (I like buttery crackers, like Ritz)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Add all of the meatball ingredients to a medium bowl, mixing just until combined.
3. Roll into walnut-sized balls and place in a greased 9X13 pan. (For even portions, use a cookie scoop and then roll into balls.) 
4. Mix together the sauce ingredients and pour evenly over the meatballs.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.

Make It Ahead

This recipe is perfect for making up ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and place in a greased 9X13 pan. Make up the sauce separately, but do not pour over the meatballs yet. Store the meatballs and sauce separately, both covered, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. They will keep up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to bake the meatballs, stir the sauce and pour evenly over the meatballs. Bake in the preheated 325-degree oven for an hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Making This Recipe Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to put your personal touch on it:

• Add fresh pineapple or pineapple chunks: For a classic sweet and sour twist, toss in a little bit of fresh pineapple chunks or pineapple tidbits with the juice drained off before pouring the sauce over the meatballs. The pineapple juice adds a lovely sweetness that complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
• Bell peppers: Brighten up the dish with some diced bell peppers. They add a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
• Soy sauce: For an Asian-inspired flavor, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce. It adds a savory depth that’s simply delicious.
• Brown sugar: Swap out the white sugar for brown sugar in the sauce for a richer, more caramel-like sweetness.
• Turkey meatballs: Looking for a lighter option? Use ground turkey instead of beef. You’ll still get all the flavor with a little less guilt.
• Stove top option: If you’re short on time, you can cook the meatballs on the stove top. Brown them in a large skillet, then pour the sauce over and let them simmer until cooked through.
• Grape jelly: It seems that everyone is trying to add grape jelly to meatballs nowadays! 🙂 If you want to mix things up and try substituting a little bit of grape jelly for the sugar, give it a try. Full disclosure: I have not tried this myself. 

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, these sweet and sour meatballs are ready to steal the spotlight on your dining table. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a party snack – they’re versatile and loved by all.

Consider serving these meatballs with rice and steamed veggies. I love serving them alongside Mushroom Rice Casserole and fresh green beans with bacon. Delish! 

Other serving suggestions include:

• Over white rice: The classic choice. The rice soaks up all that wonderful sauce, making every bite a delight.
• With mashed potatoes: If you’re in the mood for comfort food, serve these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes. The combination is pure bliss.
• As a party appetizer: These meatballs are always a hit at parties. Stick a toothpick in each one, and watch them disappear.
• With pasta: For a fun twist, serve these meatballs over pasta. The tangy sauce pairs surprisingly well with noodles.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), these meatballs store beautifully.

• In the refrigerator: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They make great leftovers for lunch.
• In the freezer: Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• In the microwave: Pop them in the microwave in 1-minute increments until they’re heated through.
• On the stove top: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening up.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe? Absolutely! You can use frozen meatballs if you’re in a pinch. Just pour the sauce over them and adjust the cooking time. If you’re using a slow cooker, no need to thaw them first.
• What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce? Soy sauce is a great alternative to the Worcestershire sauce in this recipe.
• Can I make this recipe with chicken? Yes, ground chicken or ground turkey work for this recipe, although it certainly changes the taste and texture. 
• How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart? The key is to mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, which can cause them to fall apart.
• What’s the best way to serve these meatballs? They’re fantastic over white rice, but don’t hesitate to try them with mashed potatoes or pasta. They also make a perfect party appetizer.
• Can I use this sauce for other recipes? Definitely! This sauce is versatile and works great with chicken, pork, or with stir-fry.

A Family Favorite

Sweet and sour meatballs are a family favorite of ours; it’s a recipe we rotate a lot. Even the picky eaters can’t get enough. These Sweet and Sour Meatballs are more than just a dish—they’re a little slice of comfort that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or sharing them at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. So, give them a try—you might just find yourself making them again and again!

Pin It For Later