Sweet & Tangy Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love

Mouthwatering pineapple BBQ meatballs dance with sweet and tangy flavors that promise a seriously delectable meal.

Juicy ground beef mingles perfectly with tropical fruit hints.

Succulent spheres of protein get coated in a rich, caramelized sauce that screams comfort.

Summer cookouts suddenly feel more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for anyone craving something special.

Packed with robust seasonings, these little flavor bombs will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hungry?

This recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Just ensure the meatballs are fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature.

• How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the meat mixture, or include a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

• Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Why Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Are Great

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: Combining sweet pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce creates an explosive taste sensation that transforms ordinary meatballs into an extraordinary dish.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Requires basic kitchen skills with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create restaurant-quality meals without complex preparation.
• Customize Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Versatile recipe works brilliantly as appetizers for parties, game day gatherings, or a delicious family dinner served over rice, satisfying different dining preferences and occasions.
• Enjoy Hassle-Free Preparation: Uses one-skillet cooking method that minimizes cleanup while delivering maximum flavor, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.

Ingredients Needed for Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of the meatballs.
• Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the meatballs together.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb moisture in the meatballs.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender meatball texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the meatballs.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing and browning the meatballs.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides a tangy and sweet base for the coating.
• Pineapple Chunks, Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami flavor to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds richness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.

How to Prepare Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

Step 1: Blend Meaty Goodness

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Beaten egg
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Work the mixture thoroughly until everything combines smoothly. Form the mixture into bite-sized round balls about one inch in diameter.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place meatballs into the pan.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure each side turns a beautiful golden brown. Verify the meatballs are fully cooked through.

Transfer the perfectly browned meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Tangy Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Pineapple chunks
• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder

Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Return the cooked meatballs back into the skillet. Carefully coat each meatball with the vibrant pineapple BBQ sauce.

Let the meatballs simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the sauce slightly thickens and the meatballs become wonderfully heated.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Serve these mouthwatering pineapple BBQ meatballs piping hot. Enjoy them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or serve over fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Helpful Tips for Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create lighter, healthier meatballs.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs that lose their tender texture.
• Add fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top for extra flavor and a pop of color before serving.
• Keep meatballs uniform in size by using a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent cooking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture.

Flavor Variations for Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentil mixture for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Tropical Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra heat level that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour as a binding agent, serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.

Suggested Pairings for Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange meatballs on a large wooden board with toothpicks, garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and chopped cilantro for stunning visual appeal and easy grab-and-go style.
• Game Night Delight: Serve these saucy meatballs in a slow cooker to keep them warm during movie nights or sports gatherings, allowing guests to serve themselves effortlessly.
• Rice Bowl Sensation: Create a hearty meal by placing meatballs over steamed jasmine rice, drizzling extra sauce, and sprinkling green onions for added freshness and texture.
• Picnic Perfect Protein: Pack these meatballs in a sealed container for outdoor adventures, enjoying them cold or gently reheated as a protein-packed lunch option.

Proper Storage for Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

• Refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before storing.
• Freeze meatballs in a sealed freezer-safe container or freezer bag for maximum 2-3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Microwave reheating: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Oven reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatballs in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Tangy Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling pineapple bbq meatballs combine sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired flavors for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Succulent beef meatballs glazed with zesty pineapple barbecue sauce will make guests crave more at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Binders and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks (with juice)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Craft the protein mixture by blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and seasonings until thoroughly incorporated, creating uniform texture.
2. Carefully form the meat mixture into compact, golf ball-sized spheres, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, preparing to sear the meatballs to golden perfection.
4. Gently place meatballs into the heated skillet, rotating every 2 minutes to achieve an even, rich brown crust, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes until completely cooked through.
5. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate, reserving the skillet with remaining drippings for sauce preparation.
6. Combine BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks with natural juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder directly in the same skillet, whisking to create a harmonious, tangy glaze.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and slightly reduce for enhanced depth.
8. Return meatballs to the simmering sauce, carefully coating each piece and allowing them to absorb the pineapple-infused barbecue essence for 10-12 minutes.
9. Once sauce thickens and meatballs are thoroughly heated, remove from heat and serve immediately, either as a standalone appetizer or atop fluffy rice.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture is not overmixed to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for juicier meatballs without excessive grease.
• Test meatball doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
• Customize sauce sweetness by adjusting brown sugar amount based on preferred pineapple juice intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 344 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg