These Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are an updated version of a classic quick and easy meatball recipe. They are great served as a party appetizer or can be served over rice with steamed vegetables for an easy dinner recipe.
One of the many things I love about the holiday season is all the holiday parties and get togethers. The opportunity to dress in your tackiest Christmas sweater, visit with friends and family, drink some nog, and of course all the food, especially appetizers like these Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs!
It has been evident by all the sweets that I have posted lately that I have a bit of a sweet tooth. But one of the things I look forward to at holiday parties (or any party for that matter) is the spread of appetizers. I love, love, love, classic “old school” appetizers… 7-Layer Dip, Spinach Artichoke Dip, deviled eggs, fruit and veggie trays with a good dip and so many more.
The holiday season reminds me of all these appetizer and snacky foods I love. In fact, growing up, it was tradition on Christmas to always have a big breakfast and then snacked on appetizer food all day until the big Christmas dinner. Oh and of course what’s a New Years Eve party without appetizers galore!
These Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are another one of my favorite “old school” appetizers; and I am sure you all have a version in your recipe repatriate. This recipe is my version of the saucy meatball and is the way I have made them for years!
While you could certainly use store bought meatballs (and I have in a pinch) making a batch of homemade meatballs really makes this version top notch!
Then comes in the sweet and sour sauce. While some saucy meatball recipes use grape jelly, a.k.a, Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs, I have always used cranberry sauce for an added tangy punch. Now some of you may turn your nose up at prepackaged cranberry sauce, but for this recipe, since I am making homemade meatballs, it is a huge time saver and works well as it cooks with the other sauce ingredients.
Oh and if there are no more holiday parties in your future, we love eating these meatballs as a main dish served over rice with a side of steamed broccoli, a quick meal you can enjoy year round! Yum!
Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
55 mins
These Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs are an updated version of a classic recipe. They are great served as an appetizer or can be served over rice for a main dish.
Course: Appetizer, Main, Main Course
Ingredients
- Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg, whisked
- ¼ cup quick oats
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon beef seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- --
- Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle chili sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients for meatballs, except for canola oil. Mix meatball mixture until well combined. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, shape ground meat mixture into meatballs. Place formed meatballs on a baking sheet or plate and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Working in batches, brown meatballs, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove cooked meatballs from pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining meatballs until all are meatballs are cooked.
- While meatballs are cooking, prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce by whisking all ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
- After browning meatballs, place meatballs in a large pot. Cover with prepared Sweet and Sour Sauce. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is thickened.
- Serve as desired.
Recipe Notes
Crock-pot version: Prepare meatballs and sauce as directed. Once meatballs are browned, place in a large crock-pot. Cover with prepared Sweet and Sour Sauce. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
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