Baked sweet and sour meatballs are made with ground beef meatballs baked to perfection, and coated in a tangy-sweet sauce to give it that perfect yin and yang balance of flavor.

My sweet and sour meatball recipe is a family favorite. They’re actually a recipe from my mother that she made when I was a little girl.
They’re baked to perfection and coated in a tangy sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Let’s dive into making this delectable dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Meatball Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Bread Crumbs
- Eggs
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Parsley
- Minced Garlic
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Italian Seasoning
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients
- Ketchup
- Light Brown Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Soy Sauce
How to Make Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.


- In a large bowl combine meatball ingredients and mix until just blended together. Do not overmix because this can cause the ground beef to become tough.
- Shape the meatball mixture into 1″ meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.


- Bake meatballs for 8 minutes until juices run clear.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.

- Microwave the sauce for 30-60 seconds. Spoon sauce over meatballs and serve.
- Want to keep them heated longer or serve them at a party? Keep them heated in your slow cooker for 2-3 hours using the warm setting.
What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their tangy and savory flavor. Here are some great options to serve with them:
- Steamed White Rice: Fluffy white or jasmine rice topped with sliced green onions helps soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fried Rice: Adds extra flavor and texture, making the meal more satisfying.
- Noodles: Stir-fried or plain egg noodles provide a hearty base.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds freshness and crunch.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the tangy meatballs.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple chunks add a delicious sweetness to sweet and sour meatballs.

Storing Leftovers
Cooked meatballs can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
If you need to store them longer, consider freezing them for up to 2-3 months.
Recommended Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
- Baked Italian Meatballs
- BBQ Meatballs
- BBQ Pulled Pork Potato Bites
- Cheeseburger Meatballs and Mini Mac Sauce
- Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Swedish Meatballs
- Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- ⅓ cup Bread Crumbs
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parsley
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1 ½ tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
Instructions
Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine meatball ingredients and mix until just blended together. Do not overmix because this can cause the ground beef to become tough.
- Shape the ground beef mixture into 1" meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 8 minutes until juices run clear.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Microwave the sauce for 30-60 seconds. Spoon sauce over meatballs and serve.






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