Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These tangy sweet-and-sour meatballs bring a delightful balance of flavors perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. With a mouthwatering pineapple sauce and tender Italian meatballs, this dish is both easy to prepare and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 30 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (about 15 ounces)
• 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Hot cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice. Add water if needed to make 1 cup of liquid. Pour this pineapple juice into a large skillet.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1/3 cup water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Add the pineapple chunks, frozen meatballs, and green pepper pieces to the skillet.
5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the green pepper is tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Serve hot over cooked rice.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a splash of chili sauce in the sauce mixture.
• You can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade or different flavored cooked meatballs for variety.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve an extra tablespoon of cornstarch in water and stir it in during the simmering step.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used. Use about 1 1/4 cups of chopped fresh pineapple and adjust the liquid amount accordingly to still have 1 cup of juice or liquid in the sauce.

Are the meatballs fully cooked before adding to the sauce?

Yes, this recipe uses fully cooked frozen Italian meatballs, so they only need to be heated through in the sauce.

Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 126 reviews

This Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs recipe features fully cooked Italian meatballs simmered in a vibrant sauce made from pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar, with fresh green peppers adding a delightful crunch. Perfect served over hot cooked rice, this dish offers a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors in a quick and easy meal.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Sauce and Meatballs

• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 30 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (about 15 ounces)

Vegetables

• 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

To Serve

• Hot cooked rice

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice. Add water to the juice if needed to measure 1 cup total, then pour this liquid into a large skillet. Add an additional 1/3 cup water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch to the skillet. Stir the mixture until smooth, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
2. Cook the sauce: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency. This usually takes several minutes to activate the thickening properties of the cornstarch.
3. Add ingredients to the skillet: Once the sauce is thickened, add the drained pineapple chunks, frozen meatballs, and cut green pepper pieces into the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients in the sauce.
4. Simmer to heat through: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures that the meatballs are fully heated and the flavors meld together.
5. Serve: Spoon the hot sweet-and-sour meatballs and vegetables over hot cooked rice. Enjoy your flavorful and easy meal!

Notes

• Using fully cooked frozen meatballs streamlines preparation time.
• Add more or less sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes during the simmering step.
• Other bell pepper colors can be used if green peppers are unavailable.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: sweet and sour meatballs, Italian meatballs, pineapple meatballs, easy dinner recipe, quick stovetop meal, meatballs with pineapple sauce