Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Name: Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil (for pan); 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15); 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup unsweetened ketchup; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey (or a sugar-free substitute); 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative); 1 teaspoon cornstarch (Optional, to thicken the sauce)

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These sweet and sour meatballs are exquisite and easy to make. Deliciously glazed, they are irresistible! Quickly bake them in the oven, then coat them in a rich glaze. They're perfect as an appetizer or a filling entree.

Sweet and sour meatballs are served with chopsticks.

The original recipe for these meatballs came from my mother-in-law's. It calls for browning the meatballs in a skillet, cooking them in broth, and glazing them. Her meatballs are amazing, but I am far too lazy for a three-step recipe! So I decided to simply bake the meatballs, then coat them in the sauce. The result is exceptionally flavorful, and they are ready in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Here's an overview of the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.

For the Meatballs:

Lean ground beef: I like to use an 85/15 blend. I find that 93/7 is too lean. Ground beef is one of my favorite ingredients! It's relatively cheap, readily available, and can be used in countless recipes, including Cuban picadillo and keto lasagna.
To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

For the glaze:

Unsweetened ketchup: I typically use the Primal Kitchen brand.
Rice vinegar: It's OK to use white wine vinegar if that's all you have on hand.
Honey: Just 2 tablespoons for the entire recipe. You can use a sugar-free substitute.
Light soy sauce: Or use a gluten-free alternative if needed.

Variations

You can use ground pork instead of ground beef or a mix of half pork and half beef.
Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
Add chopped cilantro to the beef mixture. I like the flavor it adds.
Enjoy spicy food? Add a tablespoon of sriracha to the glaze.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Mix the beef and spices. Place the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and use your hands to mix everything together.

Bake the meatballs. Divide the mixture into 20 portions and form it into meatballs. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a greased baking dish and bake them for 10 minutes at 400°F.

Prepare the glaze. Mix the glaze ingredients in a medium saucepan and heat them over medium-low heat.

Coat the meatballs. Add the meatballs to the sauce and turn to coat. Keep cooking until the meatballs are heated through and the glaze is thickened, about 5 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

When mixing the seasonings into the ground beef and shaping the meatballs, try to use a light touch and work the meat lightly. This will help prevent the meatballs from being too dense.
You can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch into the glaze to help thicken it. I don't usually find it necessary, but it's an option.

Recipe FAQs

Should I add eggs or breadcrumbs?

There's no need for a filler (breadcrumbs) or binder (eggs). The meatballs keep their shape well. If you work them lightly, they'll be light and fluffy and won't come out too dense.

Can I make these meatballs with jelly?

Yes. You can use grape jelly (regular or sugar-free) instead of honey. But honey tastes better, in my opinion.

Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking them?

Yes. You can heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a very large (14-inch) lidded skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook them, turning frequently, until golden brown, 5 minutes.

Add ¼ cup of water to the bottom of the skillet. Cover with the lid and cook until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F), about 3 more minutes. Drain and add the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve these meatballs with toothpicks as an appetizer. But I usually serve them as a main dish for dinner. They're excellent on a bed of cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.

I usually add an Asian-style vegetable such as sauteed bok choy, cabbage stir-fry, Asian Brussels sprouts, or Chinese green beans.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them covered in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze these metaballs for up to three months.