1. Prepare the Meatballs

• Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your meatballs bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
• Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, gently form the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. This recipe should yield about 20-24 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

2. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• Combine Ingredients: While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to whip up the sweet and sour sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
• Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, whisk in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). This will thicken the sauce. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired consistency—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still have a nice crunch.

3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce

• Combine: Once the meatballs are finished baking, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Serving Suggestion: If you’re feeling fancy, serve these delightful meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. The sauce will soak into the grains, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

4. Enjoy!

• Final Touch: Before serving, feel free to sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.