Juicy homemade meatballs coated in a tangy pineapple-infused sauce — perfect over rice or noodles for a quick family favorite! This easy dish blends savory and sweet in every satisfying bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade meatballs that are tender and full of flavor

• Sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce with real pineapple juice

• Quick and easy—ready in under 40 minutes

• Perfect for meal prep and family dinners alike

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated onion

• 1 large egg

• 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

• Optional: 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined.
Shape into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add pineapple juice, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for about 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Step 5: Combine & Simmer

Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet along with optional pineapple chunks.
Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Simmer for 3–4 more minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

• Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.

• Make it spicier with a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

• Bake meatballs instead of frying for a hands-off option (400°F for 15–18 min).

• Double the sauce if serving with plain rice—it soaks it up deliciously.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice, lo mein, or rice noodles

• Pair with stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad

• Excellent for lunchboxes or meal prep with cooked rice

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days

• Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately or together for up to 2 months

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can form and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance or freeze them raw (uncooked) for future use.

Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Absolutely. Just be sure it’s 100% juice, not syrup.

Is the sauce too sweet?

The balance of sweet and sour is classic, but feel free to reduce the brown sugar slightly to your taste.

Do I have to use pork or beef?

No—you can use any ground meat you like, including chicken or turkey.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a timeless comfort food with a perfect balance of savory and tangy-sweet flavors. Whether served over rice, noodles, or as a party appetizer, this dish is always a hit. Fast, filling, and full of flavor—you’ll come back to this recipe again and again!