Description of this recipe
This Shortcut Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal in under an hour. It’s a delightful combination of savory meatballs, colorful bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks, all coated in a tangy and sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and delicious dish that the whole family will love.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and time. The use of frozen meatballs drastically reduces prep time without sacrificing flavor. The sweet and sour sauce, made from pantry staples, perfectly complements the savory meatballs and juicy pineapple. It’s a versatile dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or even as an appetizer. Plus, the vibrant colors and delightful flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. This recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 25-30 frozen meatballs
- 1 colored bell pepper, chopped (any color or a mix)
- 20 ounce-can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve the juice)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ⅓ cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
- ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water
- 2-3 cups cooked rice, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and the reserved pineapple juice from the can of pineapple chunks.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Continue stirring until the sauce comes to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients: Add the chopped bell pepper, frozen meatballs, and pineapple chunks to the saucepan. Ensure that the meatballs are evenly distributed in the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the meatballs are heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water to create a slurry. This mixture will help thicken the sauce. Gradually pour the slurry into the simmering sweet and sour meatballs, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the sweet and sour meatballs over cooked rice. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Try serving over noodles instead of rice for a different twist.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use water or chicken broth in its place.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, stir it frequently while simmering.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender before adding the meatballs.
- To use fresh meatballs, brown them in a pan before adding them to the sauce.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meatballs with firm tofu cubes.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Calories: 450
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
This Shortcut Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and quick preparation can result in a remarkably flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect dish for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade dinner but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of sweet and tangy sauce, tender meatballs, and vibrant vegetables makes it a delightful culinary experience that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or as a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the deliciousness of this easy and convenient sweet and sour meatballs recipe.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for convenience with frozen meatballs, using homemade meatballs will elevate the dish even further. Simply brown the homemade meatballs in a pan before adding them to the sweet and sour sauce. This will ensure they are cooked through and have a nice, crispy exterior. Remember to adjust the simmering time accordingly, ensuring the meatballs are fully cooked before serving.
Q2: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this recipe healthier. First, opt for lean ground turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef. Second, reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also increase the amount of vegetables by adding more bell peppers, onions, or even broccoli florets. Finally, serve the meatballs over brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
Q3: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the sweet and sour meatballs up to 2-3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. You can also prepare the rice in advance and store it separately. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
A: This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Some great additions include diced onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and even chunks of zucchini or squash. Add the vegetables along with the bell peppers and pineapple chunks, and adjust the simmering time as needed to ensure they are tender.
Q5: Can I freeze this recipe for future use?
A: Yes, this sweet and sour meatballs recipe freezes very well. Allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in a saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add a little water or broth to the sauce if it has thickened during freezing. Serve over freshly cooked rice for a complete meal.
