Homemade Sweet and Sour Meatballs make a delicious and easy dinner recipe! These baked meatballs are juicy, tender and full of flavor from the homemade smoky and sweet sauce they are topped with. We love serving them for the holidays and they are freezer friendly!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
I’ve been craving these since my Aunt Pam made them for our Christmas. I love meatballs! Like my easy Baked Meatballs, Swedish Meatballs, Grape Jelly Meatballs or Cranberry Pinot Noir Meatballs – whether it’s an easy appetizer or tasty snack, yum!
Anyway, I kept bugging my mom to get the recipe and low and behold I found out it came from one of my favorite church cookbooks and I had it the whole time! They are absolutely amazing. I think I’m in love. I don’t know how to put it any other way.
This recipe makes quite a few so make sure you have a crowd around, but if you don’t, no worries! These make delicious leftovers too! We definitely didn’t have any trouble polishing these off!
I made about 24 meatballs with the recipe but if you wanted you could make them smaller and get more meatballs. They can either be used for an appetizer or a main dish!
What ingredients do I need to make Sweet Sour Meatballs
- evaporated milk
- ground beef
- oatmeal
- chopped onions
- eggs
- salt
- garlic powder
- pepper
- chili powder
- ketchup
- brown sugar
- liquid smoke
How do you keep meatballs moist?
Using liquid in meatballs helps keep them moist.
How do you make tender meatballs?
When you purchase the ground beef, don’t shy away from an 80/20 mixture. That extra bit of fat in the meat will flavor the meatballs and help keep t
Why do you put eggs in meatballs?
Eggs bind everything together. If you need a substitute for eggs, consider ricotta cheese – 1/4 cup per egg or tomato paste – 1 tablespoon per egg.
Why are my meatballs mushy?
Simple! It’s too much or too little binder/bread. That’s why I like to use oatmeal in this recipe. It’s the perfect binder for tender, moist meatballs!
What can I serve with Sweet ‘n Sour Meatballs?
- These are delicious served as appetizers if you’re having a party!
- Consider grabbing some slider rolls and making slider sandwiches – delish!
- Make it a meal with some Coleslaw or Skinny Broccoli Slaw, YUM!!!
- Add some Sweet Potato Wedges for a delicious meal!!
- We love it served with Parmesan Orzo, too!
Looking for more Meatball Recipes? Here you go!!
WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS RECIPE BELOW:
If you enjoy watching these videos make sure you subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be notified each time I post a new video!
Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!! ?Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 13 oz evaporated milk
- 3 lb ground beef
- 2 c. quick oats
- 1 c. chopped onions
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
Sauce
- 1 1/2 c. ketchup
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients for meatballs together. Form meatballs and place in 2-9×13 inch glass baking dish.
- Mix sauce and pour over the meatballs.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Video
Nutrition Information
Becky Wilkins says
This is one of my go-to recipes. It’s fast and easy and if you have liquid smoke on hand everything else is probably in your cupboard. You can even make it easier by using minced onions from your spice cupboard. This is a hit with everyone I have served it to – from young to old!
Julie says
Perfect! Thanks for the review, Becky! I’m glad you love this one!
Susie says
Where do you get the sweet flavor from it sounds more barbecueish
Julie says
The brown sugar sweetens it up!
Becky says
From the ketchup.
Donna Leary says
We are allergic to beef. Can I use Ground turkey instead. Thanks! I am serving this with your double stuffed mashed potatoes!!! Can’t wait to serve this up!
Julie says
Yes you can! Sounds like a great meal, hope you enjoy!
Donna Stejskal says
Thanks for the awesome recipes.
Julie says
You’re welcome!
Jeanene Carey says
Maybe I missed it, but do you use Old Fashioned oats.? It looks like it in the video, but just checking to make sure. They sound delish!
Julie Evink says
I would recommend using quick oats.
Tisha says
We love meatballs in our house! This sweet and sour version is just what we need to change things up!
Julie Evink says
I hope you enjoy them!
Jenn says
Love these as an easy party appetizer — they’re perfect finger food and full of flavor!
Julie Evink says
We do too!
Laura M says
Where’s the link to the video? If I go to your u-tube channel there are too many to wade through. Why can’t I just click on the video from your blog email?
Julie Evink says
Here you go! https://youtu.be/aPuVRe-EId8
Rita W. says
These were delicious! I made extra so I could freeze some for another time. I can’t wait to have them again 🙂
SerenaB says
I love meatball’s and these look delicious! I found your site through the country cook link up party and I look forward to looking around and reading more! Have a wonderful week!
Annie Oakley's Kitchen says
I bet this could be made in a slow cooker too! They would be great to take to a pot luck or picnic!
Gale Wall says
Yum. Meatballs. So many variations out there. Glad to see a savory post since I’m not that big on sweets. Looks like I am number 100 on your followers list!
Lisa says
That taste sounds fantastic.