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Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Easy recipes with ground beef are a lifesaver for busy weeknights! These sweet and sour meatballs combine tangy and savory flavors, making them a family favorite. Serve them over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Ground Beef
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: easy recipes for dinner beef, easy recipes with ground beef, easy recipes with ground beef and potatoes, easy recipes with ground beef and rice, easy recipes with ground beef simple, ground beef easy recipes for dinner, quick and easy recipes with ground beef
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into small meatballs.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté bell pepper and onion until slightly soft.
  4. Add pineapple chunks, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well.
  5. Bring to a simmer, then add the meatballs back into the pan.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
  7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.