If you’re looking for a dish that pleases picky eaters and party guests alike, Sweet and Sour Meatballs are the answer. Juicy, tender beef meatballs coated in a homemade sweet and tangy sauce, this recipe checks every box: easy, affordable, kid-friendly, and ready in under an hour. Serve them over fluffy rice for dinner or set them out with toothpicks for a game-day appetizer—they’ll disappear fast either way.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something addictively nostalgic about the combo of sticky-sweet sauce with hearty meatballs. This version uses simple pantry staples—no bottled sauce needed—and comes together quickly. The meatballs are baked, not fried, which makes this recipe lower fuss and perfect for batch cooking or meal prep. It’s also easy to double for a crowd!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water, mixed into a slurry
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or pineapple to the sauce for extra color and flavor.
- Swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang.
- Want heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
👨🍳 How to Make It
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are browned and fully cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together brown sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve warm over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—just combine until it holds together.
- For evenly-sized meatballs, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
- Make meatballs in advance and freeze them; just reheat in the sauce!
- This sauce also pairs well with chicken, meatless meatballs, or shrimp.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These meatballs shine on their own but also pair beautifully with:
- Steamed rice, garlic noodles, or stir-fried veggies
- A creamy appetizer like This Beer Cheese Dip
- For a comfort food spread, serve alongside These Easy Turkey Wings or
Dorito Casserole - Add Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a party-ready table
- Pair with a brunch crowd-pleaser like This One Pan Breakfast Bake if serving midday
🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- These freeze beautifully—store meatballs and sauce separately or together in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
🥘 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these sticky, saucy meatballs, try these favorites next:
- This Beer Cheese Dip – perfect for dipping alongside apps
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas – cheesy, easy, and great for parties
- This Dorito Casserole – bold, beefy, and perfect for big eaters
- These Easy Turkey Wings – slow-cooked and seasoned just right
📝 Final Thoughts
Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a tried-and-true classic that hits all the right notes: tangy, sweet, saucy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or dishing them up at your next get-together, this recipe guarantees a clean plate (and probably a few recipe requests).
👉 Made it? Tag @ChefManiac with your sticky-sweet creations and let us know: dinner plate or party tray? Follow for more bold, family-friendly recipes that bring everyone to the table.
