Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds! Judi's Tangy Sweet Sour Meatballs are not just another ordinary meatball dish - they're a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of juicy ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and an irresistible sweet and sour sauce that will make your taste buds dance. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing meal that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, proving that gourmet flavor doesn't have to be complicated.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gently mix the ingredients using your hands, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined and hold together.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform round meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs depending on size.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or coat with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown exterior.
- Once meatballs are browned and mostly cooked through, reduce heat to medium-low and add sweet and sour sauce and pineapple chunks.
- Gently stir to coat meatballs in sauce, allowing them to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and sauce is heated through.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure safe consumption.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Sauce will thicken slightly during resting.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional pineapple chunks or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your ground beef is fresh and your vegetables are crisp for maximum flavor.
- Don't overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender and light.
- Use a meat thermometer: Always check that meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Uniform size matters: Shape meatballs to similar sizes for even cooking.
- Let them rest: Allow meatballs to rest briefly after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
- Optional garnish: Enhance presentation with chopped green onions or extra pineapple chunks.
- Sauce tip: Simmer sauce slowly to develop deeper flavors and achieve perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
