Description
Sweet and Sour Meatballs combine tender, juicy beef meatballs baked in a tangy and flavorful sauce made with brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and vinegar. This comforting casserole-style dish is perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes and garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- ½ lb. ground beef (lean 90% – 96% lean)
- ¼ cup oatmeal (quick oats)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tsp onion flakes (minced or ¼ cup chopped fresh onion)
Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup ketchup (or barbecue sauce)
- 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp spicy brown mustard (prepared)
- ¼ cup white vinegar
Garnish
- Parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a casserole pan or glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Make Meatballs: In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, oatmeal, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and onion flakes or fresh onion. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup (or barbecue sauce), Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and white vinegar. This creates the sweet and sour sauce that will glaze the meatballs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the foil, sprinkle chopped parsley over the hot meatballs for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot over your choice of rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute oatmeal with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup will add a smokier flavor to the sauce.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
