Meet your new favorite dinner party hero: Sweet and Tangy Meatballs. These little flavor bombs are perfect for any occasion, blending a rich, savory taste with a delightful sweet and sour twist.
The base of these meatballs is ground beef, providing that classic, hearty flavor. Breadcrumbs act as a binding agent, ensuring the meatballs hold together while also adding texture. Milk keeps the meatballs moist and tender. An egg helps bind the ingredients, giving the meatballs structure. Onion adds a subtle, savory sweetness. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors.
The sauce is a delightful combination of brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for that tangy punch, and ketchup for a rich tomato base. A splash of soy sauce adds depth and umami. Cornstarch thickens the sauce to a glossy finish, while water keeps it from being too overpowering.
These meatballs pair beautifully with steamed rice or a simple pasta. For a lighter option, serve them over a bed of mixed greens. They also make fantastic sliders—just pop them into small buns with a bit of sauce.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, grab a large bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently—over-mixing can make your meatballs tough.
Next, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. A small cookie scoop works great for this if you have one handy. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they're cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, let's make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Keep stirring until the sauce starts to simmer and thickens up nicely.
Once your meatballs are done, transfer them into the saucepan. Gently toss them in the sauce until they're all nicely coated. Let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor.