Name: Hawaiian Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or pork (or a mix); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 can (435 g / 20 oz) pineapple chunks, juice reserved; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth); 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening); 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 small onion, cut into chunks; Cooked white or brown rice; Chopped green onions; Sesame seeds

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Hawaiian Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with colorful bell peppers. This delicious dish combines savory and tropical flavors, making it perfect as a main course over rice or a fun appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with simple ingredients
Sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love
Versatile as a main dish or an appetizer
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Pairs perfectly with rice or noodles

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Hawaiian Sauce:

1 cup pineapple juice (from a can of pineapple chunks)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Add-Ins:

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Optional Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Directions

Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until well combined.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar until smooth.
Cook the Sauce and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Add the baked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated evenly in the sauce.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meatballs are fully heated and the sauce is thickened.
Serve:
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve over rice or with toothpicks as an appetizer.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.
Add More Veggies: Include snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Crockpot Option: Cook the meatballs, then add them with the sauce to a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
Spicy Hawaiian Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

2. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought frozen meatballs work well. Simply add them to the sauce and heat until warmed through.

3. How do I keep the meatballs tender?

Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk and not overmixing the meatball mixture helps keep them tender.

4. What can I serve with Hawaiian Meatballs?

Serve over white or brown rice, noodles, or alongside a fresh salad.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free milk alternative or skip the milk in the meatball mixture.

6. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, baking is a healthier option and keeps the meatballs evenly cooked.

7. Can I make the sauce sweeter or less sweet?

Adjust the brown sugar to your taste. You can also add a bit of honey for natural sweetness.

8. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well. You may need to add a bit of extra pineapple juice or water to the sauce.

9. How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or a flour slurry as a thickening agent.

10. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or pot to accommodate all the meatballs and sauce.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory meat and tropical flavors. This versatile dish can be served as a fun appetizer or a satisfying main course. With tender meatballs and a vibrant pineapple sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of the tropics!