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sweet and sour meatballs

23 Pinches
Cookingbear avatar
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Updated on Jun 11, 2014

When looking for a sweet and sour sauce at the store the other day, I noticed there are a lot of preservatives in the store bought variety. I thought that I might be able to make something similar to it at home. This is my very first recipe that I have made by myself. My family said that they enjoyed it. The awesome thing is that I didn't think that I could create my own recipe, but here it is. I hope that you enjoy it too.

prep time 30 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Bake
yield depends on how much you eat. 3-4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1/2 - green bell pepper, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1/2 - red bell pepper, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped into 1-2 " pieces
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard - not dry mustard
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste - about 1/2 of a small can
  • 1 can pineapple chunks drained, with juice set aside
  • 1 tablespoon grape jelly
  • 1./2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/8 teaspoon california chili pepper, it's fairly mild
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How To Make sweet and sour meatballs

  • Step 1
    Brown meat lightly in a dutch oven or frying pan. Drain, and set aside. In a large saucepan, place the bell peppers and onion. Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are almost cooked, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat. To that mixture add: cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, sugar, mustard, garlic powder, honey, tomato paste, and grape jelly. Add the pineapple. Cook in saucepan until sauce thickens . If it becomes too thick, add pineapple juice. Add meat. Combine cornstarch with cold water, stirring well until smooth. Add cornstarch and vegetables to the pot. Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for about an hour. You can also put it in a crock pot and slow cook it. (great for people that work).
  • Step 2
    I served this with coconut rice. Follow package directions and just use coconut milk instead of the water.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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