These Tangy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs coated in a glossy sauce that balances sweet pineapple flavor with a tangy vinegar kick. They’re perfect as an appetizer, slow-cooker party dish, or served over rice for a full meal.
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
🍳 Equipment
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Mixing bowl
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Skillet or baking sheet
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Saucepan
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Spoon or whisk
🥘 Ingredients
Meatballs
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1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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¼ cup milk
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Sweet & Sour Sauce
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¾ cup pineapple juice
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½ cup ketchup
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¼ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp cold water
📝 Ingredient Notes
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Ground meat: Beef, pork, or turkey all work well.
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Pineapple juice: Use juice from canned pineapple rings or chunks.
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Vinegar: Rice vinegar gives a milder tang; apple cider adds bite.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make meatballs
In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Cook meatballs
Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat 8–10 minutes, or bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15 minutes until cooked through.
3. Make sauce
In saucepan, whisk pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce.
Bring to a simmer.
4. Thicken
Mix cornstarch with water and stir into sauce.
Cook 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
5. Combine
Add meatballs to sauce and simmer 5–10 minutes, coating well.
📊 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
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Calories: 410
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Protein: 24g
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Carbs: 36g
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Fat: 18g
⭐ Tips & Variations
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Slow cooker: Add cooked meatballs and sauce; cook on LOW 3–4 hours.
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Frozen meatballs: Use 2 lbs frozen meatballs for a shortcut.
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Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or sriracha.
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Veggie boost: Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
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Serve with: Steamed rice, noodles, or toothpicks for parties.
