Lana's Sweet and Sour Meatballs
A wonderful savory meatball and sweet sauce recipe that works as a main dish, or you can use just the meatball recipe part for parties. I recommend serving over white rice.
A wonderful savory meatball and sweet sauce recipe that works as a main dish, or you can use just the meatball recipe part for parties. I recommend serving over white rice.
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 large carrot diced
- 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks drained with juice reserved
- 1 large green bell pepper cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- Carbohydrate 30.8536265081776 g
- Cholesterol 75.4009476236572 mg
- Fat 12.6432434689735 g
- Fiber 1.91284376137234 g
- Protein 26.7166855343195 g
- Saturated Fat 5.06652154663182 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (263g)
- Sodium 670.150013862876 mg
- Sugar 28.9407827468053 g
- Trans Fat 1.63255757986537 g
- Calories 348 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a large, shallow baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs and onion. Sprinkle with ginger, seasoning salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and sugar. Shape into one inch balls.
- Place meatballs in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes; set aside.
- To make the sauce, mix enough water with the reserved pineapple juice to make 1 cup. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the juice mixture, 1/3 cup water, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in cornstarch, ginger and seasoning salt, until smooth. Cover and cook until thickened.
- Stir pineapple chunks, carrot, green pepper and meatballs into the sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or until meatballs are thoroughly cooked.
Lana's Sweet and Sour Meatballs: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and extracurricular activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That's why I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that the whole family will enjoy. And Lana's Sweet and Sour Meatballs have become a real winner in our household.
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's incredibly versatile – serve it over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. The sweet and sour sauce is tangy and delicious, perfectly complementing the savory meatballs. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even when you're short on time. I often double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal, making it even more convenient. The kids love it, my husband raves about it, and it leaves me feeling like I've accomplished something without sacrificing too much precious time.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredient list is straightforward and easy to follow, and the cooking process is straightforward. There's no need for specialized cooking equipment or techniques. Everything is easily achievable in a regular kitchen. It's the type of recipe you can easily adapt to your own preferences. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add your favorite spices for a unique twist. Maybe you'd like to add some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors. The sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple beautifully counteracts the tanginess of the vinegar and soy sauce. The ginger adds a subtle warmth, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a rich, savory depth. The meatballs themselves are juicy and flavorful, thanks to the combination of ground beef, bread crumbs, and a blend of herbs and spices. It’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
I particularly enjoy making extra meatballs and storing them in the freezer. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal when I'm really pressed for time. Just pop them in the oven or microwave and heat them through. You can also add them to pasta dishes, salads, or use them as an appetizer. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe isn't just a meal; it’s a shortcut to a happy family dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness around the dinner table. And that's priceless. The ease of preparation combined with its delicious taste makes this a recipe I’ll be making again and again. So give it a try; I'm confident it will become a staple in your kitchen as well!
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights. It also makes a fantastic dish for casual gatherings with friends and family. The meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, and the sweet and sour sauce is addictive. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group. Prepare the meatballs ahead of time, and then simply assemble and simmer the sauce when your guests arrive. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish that allows you to socialize without being stuck in the kitchen all evening.
I often find myself adapting this recipe to suit my mood and the availability of ingredients. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. The beauty of cooking is its flexibility, and this recipe embraces that perfectly. I encourage you to experiment and make it your own!
Making Memories, One Meatball at a Time: Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a connection to our loved ones, a celebration of shared moments, and a way to express our love and care. This simple recipe has become a part of our family’s story, a symbol of those busy weeknights where we gather around the table to share stories, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. It's a recipe that creates memories, one flavorful meatball at a time. And that's what makes it truly special.
