Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe 🍽️
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6 servings
Description:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade sweet and sour meatballs, a beloved family recipe that’s perfect for potlucks or cozy dinners. These succulent meatballs are infused with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making them irresistible to everyone at the table. Plus, they’re easily customizable and can be doubled to feed a crowd or to stash away for later enjoyment. Keep them warm in a crockpot on low heat for gatherings, or freeze half for quick and convenient meals whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients:
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare Bread Crumbs: Begin by preparing finely chopped fresh white bread crumbs in a food processor or blender. Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
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Prepare Onions: In the same food processor, finely mince the onions. Add them to the bowl with the bread crumbs.
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Mix Meat Mixture: To the bowl, add the ground beef, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and evaporated milk until well combined.
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the egg mixture to the meat mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly incorporated. Adjust the moisture level by adding a bit more evaporated milk if needed. The mixture should be moist but still hold its shape.
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Form Meatballs: Using a teaspoon or tablespoon, portion out the meat mixture and roll it into balls. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands with cold water while rolling.
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Coat Meatballs: Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Roll each meatball in the cornstarch until evenly coated. Set the coated meatballs aside on wax paper.
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Fry Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs until they’re golden brown and have a firm exterior. Once cooked, drain them on a double layer of paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Freeze (Optional): If freezing for later use, arrange the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a cool cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags, ensuring to label and date them for easy identification.
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Prepare Sauce: In a large pot, combine the brown sugar, white vinegar, and any additional consommé if desired. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
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Simmer: Heat the sauce until it’s hot and bubbly. Then, add the fried meatballs to the pot, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
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Cook: Simmer the meatballs in the sauce, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’re glazed and tender, and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Serve: Once cooked to perfection, serve the sweet and sour meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 190.8 per serving
- Fat: 7.9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 66.8mg
- Sodium: 285.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 9.3g
- Protein: 15.1g
These homemade sweet and sour meatballs are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. With their irresistible flavor and tender texture, they’re bound to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
