Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, and soy sauce.
- If desired, stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet.
- Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
5. Simmer
- Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
- Herbs and Spices: Incorporate fresh parsley, oregano, or thyme into the meatball mixture for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Twist: Add pineapple chunks and juice to the sauce for a tangy-sweet variation.
Tips
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it can make the meatballs tough.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- Cook a small test meatball to adjust seasoning if needed before shaping the rest.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping.
Conclusion
These saucy meatballs are flavorful, versatile, and easy to make. Whether served as a hearty main course or as an appetizer, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. Try this recipe with your own variations for a personalized touch!