A recipe I cut out of a magazine a long time ago, inspired me to create this. The magazine version used barbecue sauce, but I thought it would taste better with a homemade sweet and sour sauce instead. The dish is still very easy to make and the kids loved it. I intended to use a green pepper, but I didn’t have any. I substituted carrots. They were very good and it’s one of the veggies my kids like to eat.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Sweet and Sour Meatballs over Rice
Ingredients
- about 1 lb. of prepared frozen meatballs
- 20 oz can pineapple chunks drained – reserve the juice
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups carrots sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- water to add to the juice to make 1 1/2 cups
- 6 Tbs. vinegar
- 6 Tbs. brown sugar
- 4 Tbs. soy sauce
- 2 Tbs. cornstarch
- cooked rice
Instructions
- Thaw the meatballs in the microwave.
- In a skillet, saute the onion and garlic in a bit of oil. Add in the carrots and cook for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice with enough water to make 1 1/2 cups. Stir in the vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce and cornstarch. Add to the skillet and stir till thickened.
- Add the meatballs and pineapple.
- Simmer until the meatballs are hot and the carrots are tender-crisp.
- Serve over rice.
my kids would love these!
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Looks yummy and fast to make when you’re in a hurry to get dinner on the table. Think we will be having this soon. TFS!
Hey there –
These look scrumptious! I have a quick question…what type of meatballs do you use for this recipe? I bought a HUGE bag of Italian Meatballs at Costco, but I am not sure how they would work in this dish.
Thanks so much!
I used Italian style meatballs. I wondered how it would be, but it tasted good. I don’t think it matters what style you use, which is good!
I’m going to try this tomorrow!
I made this yesterday, with my own meatballs. So I of course need to tell you my modifications. 🙂 Lemon juice instead of vinegar, fresh pineapple instead of canned, honey instead of brown sugar and 1 cup of water. I thought this was really yummy! As did Hubby, but my kids were upset I put the meatballs on top of the rice. So I’m not sure they liked it or not. They ate some, under duress. Sometimes my kids can be so picky! If I had them separate, they would have complained about the rice being plain (no butter, olive oil or anything). I didn’t think it needed the extra calories when the sauce was great!
looks yummy! When do you add in the chunk pineapple?
Dawn, Add the pineapple with the meatballs. I’ll go back and edit the recipe to show that.
This is on my meal plan for this week! My kids will be so excited!
http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2010/04/weekly-meal-plan-24.html
Yep, on my menu this week!!
I love your blog. I don’t read many blogs. Yours is one of my faves!! Your grilled chicken over pasta and pesto with peppers and onions is becoming a family fave!! Thanks for what you do!
I just found a similar recipe on allrecipes.com, and it’s on this week’s menu! Great minds think alike.
I also have to make my own meatballs, because we are gluten free. I am planning to double the batch and put some in the freezer for next spaghetti night.
I am making this today. I used frozen turkey meatballs, not italian seasoned. I use frozen mixed bell pepper strips and chunk canned pineapple. All this into the crock pot. Thicken sauce on stove and pour over, heat for about 4 or 5 hours on low. Serve with sauteed shredded cabbage instead of rice to cut down on carbs.
Rochelle
Hi! So excited to try this! What really likened me to this recipe was that you used “generic” foods instead of name brands! In trying to save $$$ we buy store brands as well and to see that recipes turn out just as good is fantastic! I just found your site and will definitely add it to my very Favorites of Favorites!! Thanks!
I made this for dinner tonight. It was delicious. My hubby enjoyed it and my youngest asked for more meatballs. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so glad you liked it.
Can’t get any easier than this and very versatile in that you could add whatever other vegetables such as broccoli or peppers.
I am cooking this as I type. It smells delicious! I altered the directions a little, I made the sauce first and thickened it in a large pot, then added the frozen meatballs, garlis, pineapple, carrots and onions. I am just letting it simmer until everything gets tender. Can’t wait to eat!
This sweet and sour meat ball recipe is delicious !! I’m making it tonight for the third time ! Thanks for such a great recipe 🙂
I had all the ingredients and made this for dinner tonight. Very, very good! We love broccoli, red bell pepper and water chestnuts so I think I will add them to the recipe. Thank You!