Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a classic dish that combines savory meat with a tangy, fruity sauce, a hallmark of mid-20th-century American cuisine. This recipe likely emerged during the 1950s–1970s, when sweet-and-sour flavors were popularized by Chinese-American takeout and homemakers alike. The use of cranberry jelly, honey, and vinegar creates a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of potluck dinners and church cookbooks. The simplicity and large yield of this recipe make it ideal for family gatherings, holidays, and retro-themed dinner nights.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs ground chuck
- 3 eggs
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic (minced or powdered, to taste)
- ½ cup cornflake (crumbs)
Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 14 oz can cranberry jelly
- 1 cup cranberry berries
- ¼ cup vinegar (per 3 quarts sauce)
Optional:
- Assorted fruit (if desired for flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine 5 lbs of ground chuck with 3 eggs.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic, and ½ cup cornflake crumbs.
- Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Step 2: Form and Parboil Meatballs
- Form mixture into approximately 100 small meatballs.
- Place meatballs into a large pot of boiling water and parboil until they turn grey.
- Remove with a straining spoon and place in a colander.
- Rinse with hot water and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine ½ cup honey, 1 can of cranberry jelly, 1 can of cranberry berries, and ¼ cup vinegar.
- Heat and stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Optional: Add chopped fruit for extra flavor.
Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
- Add the pre-cooked meatballs to the simmering sauce.
- Let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
Tips
- Tip: Use a melon baller or small scoop to make evenly sized meatballs.
- Variation: Substitute cranberry sauce with pineapple chunks and juice for a tropical version.
- Make-Ahead: Meatballs can be made and parboiled ahead of time, then frozen.
Nutrition
Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 41gFat: 47gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 3gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 184mgPotassium: 661mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!