Name: Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil (for pan); 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15); 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup unsweetened ketchup; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey (or a sugar-free substitute); 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative); 1 teaspoon cornstarch (Optional, to thicken the sauce)

If you’re searching for a delightful dish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, this Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender meatballs get a beautiful oven bake, then are lovingly coated in a glossy, vibrant sweet and sour sauce that brings a playful pop of flavor to every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough to make anytime you crave a comforting yet exciting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. From left to right, there is a red and white bottle of maple flavored syrup with a red cap, a clear bottle of organic unsweetened ketchup with a red label and red cap, a clear bottle of less sodium soy sauce with a green label and green cap, and a clear bottle of organic rice vinegar with a white label and white cap. Below these bottles, slightly to the left, is a pack of raw organic ground beef in clear packaging with a label. To the right of the beef pack, on a small white plate, are three small piles of spices: one beige, one white, and one black with brown mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe lies in using simple, accessible ingredients that each add their own note of flavor and texture. From the lean ground beef that keeps the meatballs moist and tender, to the balance of sweet honey and tangy rice vinegar in the glaze, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating this harmonious dish.

Olive oil: Just a teaspoon to grease the baking dish, ensuring your meatballs don’t stick and brown beautifully.
Lean ground beef (85/15): This ratio provides a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without excess fat.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural taste of the meat and seasonings.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the meat mixture.
Onion powder: Infuses the meatballs with sweet, aromatic undertones without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Brings warm, garlicky notes that are essential for flavor complexity.
Unsweetened ketchup: Acts as the base for the sweet and sour sauce, lending tang and richness.
Rice vinegar: Offers the perfect amount of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Honey (or sugar-free substitute): Provides natural sweetness that rounds out the glaze beautifully.
Light soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative): Introduces savory umami that deepens the sauce’s flavor profile.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce for a luscious coating on the meatballs.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, a temperature ideal for cooking the meatballs quickly while locking in their juiciness. Lightly brush a rimmed baking dish with olive oil so your meatballs can bake without sticking, allowing them to brown on the outside and stay tender inside. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder — these simple seasonings will elevate the meat’s flavor. Shape the mixture into about 20 evenly sized meatballs and place them in the prepared dish. Pop them into the oven, baking for 10 minutes to get a firm but moist texture.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Glaze

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan — unsweetened ketchup, rice vinegar, honey, light soy sauce, and cornstarch if you want a thicker sauce. Cooking this mixture gently over medium-low heat helps blend the flavors and thickens the glaze into a glossy, flavorful coating.

Step 3: Combine and Finish Cooking

Once the initial bake is done, transfer the meatballs to the saucepan and gently turn them over in the sweet and sour glaze, making sure each one is fully coated. Continue cooking on low heat, turning frequently, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce reaches a luscious thickness — this usually takes about five more minutes. The vibrant sauce clinging to perfectly baked meatballs is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

A large silver pot is filled with many round brown meatballs covered in thick red sauce, bubbling gently as they cook. A woman's hand holds a light wooden spoon, stirring the sauce and meatballs from above, creating some motion in the sauce. The pot is on a black stovetop, but the focus is clearly on the rich, textured sauce and the plump meatballs inside. The background surface has been changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your meatballs with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a few sesame seeds to add a burst of color and a subtle crunch. These garnishes not only make the dish visually appealing but also introduce a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair these meatballs with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or even a simple bed of buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all that sweet and sour sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas works beautifully to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the meatballs on small skewers as a fun appetizer for parties, or pile them atop a bed of noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions for a full-flavored main course. Another tasty idea is to use them as sliders with little buns and a tangy slaw for a crowd-pleasing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sweet and sour meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The sauce will continue to permeate the meatballs, making them even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze the meatballs in their sauce inside a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay deliciously fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm through evenly. You can also microwave individual servings covered loosely to maintain moisture, heating in short bursts until hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can substitute nicely for beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that these meats may cook a little faster and tend to be less fatty, so avoid overbaking to keep meatballs moist.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch—the flavor profile will shift slightly but will still maintain a nice tang that balances the sweetness.

Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?

Yes! Use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, such as tamari, and ensure your ketchup has no added gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

For a little kick, add a touch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the glaze while it cooks. It pairs wonderfully with the sweet and sour flavors.

How do I get my meatballs to hold together better?

If your meat mixture feels loose, you can add a small amount of breadcrumbs or an egg to bind them. However, this recipe’s simple seasoning helps the beef hold well when baked properly.

Final Thoughts

You simply cannot go wrong with this Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe—it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and delivers every time you make it. The ease of preparation combined with the vibrant balance of flavors makes it a staple worth keeping in your recipe arsenal. So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!

Oven-Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need