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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Craft the protein mixture by blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and seasonings until thoroughly incorporated, creating uniform texture.
- Carefully form the meat mixture into compact, golf ball-sized spheres, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, preparing to sear the meatballs to golden perfection.
- 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.
- Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate, reserving the skillet with remaining drippings for sauce preparation.
- 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.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and slightly reduce for enhanced depth.
- Return meatballs to the simmering sauce, carefully coating each piece and allowing them to absorb the pineapple-infused barbecue essence for 10-12 minutes.
- 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