Description
Hawaiian pineapple BBQ meatballs combine sweet and tangy flavors in a crowd-pleasing dish. Succulent beef meatballs glazed with tropical sauce make dinner delightful for families and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (454 g)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (60 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400F (200C).
- Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Gently form compact, uniform meatballs using your hands, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to promote even browning.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While meatballs are baking, combine BBQ sauce and pineapple chunks in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Transfer freshly baked meatballs directly into the simmering sauce mixture.
- Allow meatballs to simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes, gently stirring to coat evenly and enhance flavor absorption.
- Serve immediately as a tantalizing appetizer or place over steamed rice for a satisfying main course.
Notes
- Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier version that still packs incredible flavor and keeps the meatballs juicy.
- Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for sensitive diets.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce heat by mixing mild and spicy versions or adding a touch of sriracha for those who love extra kick without overwhelming the sweet pineapple notes.
- Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze uncooked, then thaw and bake when ready, saving time during busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg