Trader Joe’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs
The recipe for Trader Joe’s sweet and sour meatballs is the kind of easy, cozy dinner you will want on repeat! This recipe comes together quickly using simple Trader Joe’s staples (including the delicious General Tsao’s Stir Fry Sauce!) and delivers that classic sweet and savory flavor everyone will love!
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RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this easy Trader Joe’s sweet and sour meatballs:
** Complete ingredient list in the the recipe card below
INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
Frozen meatballs: Trader Joe’s has several kinds of frozen meatballs, use your favorite. I happen to like these mini ones because they cook so quickly.
General Tsao’s Stir Fry Sauce: I love this sauce all on it’s own and if you’re in a pinch, you can make this recipe with JUST the sauce. But it’s sooo much better if you doctor it up a bit with a little pineapple juice and soy sauce!
Pineapple + pineapple juice: I usually use the frozen pineapple + a little pineapple juice from the carton from TJ’s, because they don’t have canned pineapple. However, if you use canned pineapple, you can use the juice from the can vs. buying another container of pineapple juice.
Rice: Love, love, love TJ’s frozen jasmine rice packets that are ready in three minutes!
CASEY’S TIPS
- Chop veggies evenly: Chop the peppers and onion into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay slightly crisp.
- Pineapple jucie: If you don’t want to buy a whole container of pineapple juice, use canned pineapple and use the juice from the can. You can also substitute orange juice.
- Slow cooker option: Place frozen mini meatballs, chopped peppers and onion, and pineapple tidbits into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the meatballs are warmed through and the peppers are tender.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe is great for meal prep since the flavors improve as it sits!
How to Serve
- Noodles: Rice is traditional, but this dish is also so good over Trader Joe’s squiggly noodles or their Thai wheat noodles!
- Cucumber salad: Pair this dish with a crisp cucumber salad like this spicy Asian cucumber salad or this carrot and cucumber salad.
- Lettuce wraps: Low carb it and serve these cute meatballs and veggies in iceberg or butter lettuce cups.
RELATED…
If you need more easy, delicious Trader Joe’s recipes like this one, please don’t miss this hearty green chicken chili and these delicious marry me meatballs! And of course, check out the cookbook for 50+ more recipes!
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Thank you! ~ Casey
Trader Joe’s Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 12.35 oz. bottle Trader Joe's General Tsao's Stir Fry Sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice you can also use 1/4 cup of the juice from a can of pineapple if you are using canned
- 2-3 tsp. olive oil
- 1 20 oz. package Trader Joe's frozen mini meatballs or any frozen meatballs of choice
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen pineapple tidbits canned pineapple works, too!
- sliced green onions, for garnish
- Trader Joe's jasmine rice packets, for serving
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together stir fry sauce, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Fill the empty stir-fry sauce bottle with about 1/2 cup of water, shake, and add it to the sauce.
- Cook veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high high, heat oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and bell peppers. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add: Add frozen meatballs, frozen pineapple, and sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated with the sauce. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Finish: Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Chop veggies evenly: Chop the peppers and onion into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay slightly crisp.
- Pineapple jucie: If you don’t want to buy a whole container of pineapple juice, use canned pineapple and use the juice from the can. You can also substitute orange juice.
- Slow cooker option: Place frozen mini meatballs, chopped peppers and onion, and pineapple tidbits into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the meatballs are warmed through and the peppers are tender.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe is great for meal prep since the flavors improve as it sits!
