Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large onion (shredded or finely chopped)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small golf ball-sized meatballs and set aside.

2. 2

   Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs into the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.

3. 3

   Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside.

4. 4

   Sauté Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and both colored bell peppers, cooking for about 1 minute until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. 5

   Cook Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce into the wok with vegetables. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens to a glossy finish.

6. 6

   Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs along with pineapple chunks to the wok. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat afterward.

7. 7

   Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.