Imagine a dish that combines the rich, savory flavor of ham and beef with a mouthwatering sweet and sour sauce that will make your family beg for seconds! These Sweet and Sour Ham Balls are not just another boring meatball recipe - they're a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or when you want to impress your taste buds with a classic American dish that's both comforting and exciting.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground ham
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground ham, ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a clean baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, and mustard to create the sweet and sour sauce.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is coated with the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the meatballs to brown slightly.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs, which should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, spooning additional sauce over the meatballs if desired. Pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Mix the meat mixture gently to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough. Overmixing can lead to dense, hard meatballs.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands when forming meatballs to create uniform sizes, ensuring even cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or finely chopped onions to the meat mixture.
- If the sauce seems too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the sauce before baking.
- Let the meatballs rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- For a crispier exterior, you can briefly broil the meatballs during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
