Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy

Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy is your new go-to weeknight dinner solution, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that the whole family will adore. This recipe simplifies the classic comfort food, making it accessible for any home cook, and delivers a truly satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for best flavor and moisture)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing meatballs)

For the Sticky Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium is fine)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

How to Make Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy are incredibly easy to whip up, offering a rich, savory meatball enveloped in a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce that coats every bite. With a preparation time of about 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something truly comforting and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix all the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.

Sear the Meatballs:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Sear the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely browned. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
4. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (drain off any excess fat if needed), whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce mixture in the skillet.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a sticky, glossy consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Combine and Cook:

1. Carefully return the seared meatballs to the skillet with the thickened sauce.
2. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Serve:

1. Serve the Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy hot over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy

You’ll fall head over heels for these Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy because of their irresistible combination of tender, flavorful beef meatballs bathed in a perfectly balanced, sticky sweet and tangy sauce that’s simply addictive. The real magic lies in the way the homemade sauce clings to each moist meatball, creating a symphony of sweet, sour, and savory notes that’s far superior to anything from a jar. Plus, making these at home is surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples to deliver restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a delicious and economical meal.

Forget the takeout menus and freezer aisle options; this recipe empowers you to create a truly memorable meal that’s both comforting and exciting, reminiscent of your favorite Asian-inspired dishes but with a personal touch. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make every bite a delight, and best of all, you can enjoy this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen with ease. So, why not gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to these absolutely delicious Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy tonight – you won’t regret it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Properly storing and reheating your delicious Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy is key to enjoying them later.

• Refrigeration: Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, let the cooked meatballs and sauce cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: The best method is to reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add the meatballs and sauce to a skillet and stir occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
  • Microwave: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Be cautious not to overheat, which can dry out the meatballs.

Final Thoughts

These Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy are a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that will become a new family favorite. Give it a try tonight for a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that’s sure to please!

Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy

Your new go-to weeknight dinner solution, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that the whole family will adore. This recipe simplifies the classic comfort food, making it accessible for any home cook, and delivers a truly satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for best flavor and moisture)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing meatballs)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium is fine)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Small bowl

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
   1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for best flavor and moisture), 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned), 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2. Gently mix all the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
3. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing meatballs)
5. Add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Sear the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely browned. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
7. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
8. In the same skillet (drain off any excess fat if needed), whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium is fine), 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
   1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
10. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce mixture in the skillet.
11. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a sticky, glossy consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
12. Carefully return the seared meatballs to the skillet with the thickened sauce.
13. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
14. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
15. Serve the Sweet Sour Beef Meatballs Sticky Saucy hot over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
16. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color, if desired.

Notes

Allow meatballs and sauce to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth if needed. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.