Sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor, these Hawaiian Meatballs are a tropical twist on a classic comfort food. Tender, juicy meatballs are smothered in a rich, sticky pineapple glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Whether served over fluffy white rice or as a party appetizer on toothpicks, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. They are perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or anytime you want to bring a bit of the tropics to your table. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a breezy island getaway, surrounded by the fresh, bold flavors of pineapple, ginger, and a savory sauce that will make your taste buds sing. This recipe is both simple and delightful, and it’s bound to become a family favorite.
These Hawaiian meatballs are perfect for every occasion—from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The combination of juicy ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and the sweetness of pineapple creates a dish that is full of flavor and texture. The sweet and tangy sauce is made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, creating a balance that makes these meatballs addictive. The best part? They’re super easy to make and can be adapted to fit your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, swap the protein, or even add some heat if you like a bit of spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Tropical Flavors: Pineapple, bell peppers, and a savory sauce bring the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar is perfectly countered by the umami from soy sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Great for Entertaining: These meatballs are ideal for potlucks, game days, or any party. They’re easy to make, transport well, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Guests will love the sweet and savory flavor combination that makes these meatballs stand out.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe comes together in no time for a flavorful meal. You can prep the meatballs ahead and simply reheat them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve, making them an easy solution for busy days.
- Versatile: Serve these meatballs as an appetizer, over rice, or even alongside stir-fried veggies for a complete meal. They work great as both a main dish or a snack, and you can customize the sides to make them as light or as hearty as you’d like.
- A Taste of the Tropics: These Hawaiian Meatballs capture the spirit of island cuisine with their combination of pineapple, ginger, and bell peppers. It’s like a mini vacation on a plate, providing comfort and a break from the ordinary.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (can substitute with chicken, or turkey for a leaner option)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (helps hold the meatballs together, giving them a great texture)
- Egg: 1 large (for binding, ensuring the meatballs don’t fall apart)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (adds savory depth and a rich aroma)
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon grated (fresh for best flavor; brings a subtle spicy warmth)
- Green Onion: 1, finely chopped (adds a touch of brightness and freshness)
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (for seasoning, adds saltiness and umami)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste (enhances the overall flavor balance)
For the Hawaiian Sauce:
- Pineapple Juice: 1 cup (from a can of pineapple chunks; adds natural sweetness and tanginess)
- Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup (for sweetness; gives the sauce a caramel-like depth)
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (adds umami flavor and balances the sweetness)
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (adds a bit of tang to cut through the sweetness)
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons (adds color, acidity, and a hint of tomato flavor)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce and make it glossy)
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green, diced (adds crunch, color, and freshness)
- Pineapple Chunks: 1 cup (from the can, for extra tropical flavor and texture)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Use your hands to mix, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough. Shape into approximately 20 meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned. The browning adds extra flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the Hawaiian sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ketchup. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and blend the ingredients. Add the diced bell peppers and pineapple chunks, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the bell peppers to soften slightly while still retaining some crunch.
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Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency. The cornstarch helps the sauce cling to the meatballs, giving each bite a burst of flavor. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid any lumps forming as the sauce thickens.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat each meatball with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors fully. This step is key to ensuring the meatballs are juicy and packed with the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian meatballs over steamed white rice for a complete meal, garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy the tropical burst of flavors! Alternatively, serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks at a party. They also pair well with stir-fried vegetables or a simple side salad to add some freshness to the dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix until just combined for the best texture. If you use your hands, try to be gentle to avoid compressing the mixture too much.
- Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a brighter, more intense flavor compared to ground ginger. It pairs beautifully with the pineapple and brings out the tropical flavors of the dish.
- Control the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute with honey for a different flavor profile. You can also add a bit more soy sauce to balance the sweetness with more umami.
- Broil for Extra Color: For a bit of extra caramelization, broil the meatballs for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. This adds a deeper flavor and gives the meatballs a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Make Ahead: You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them in the sauce for an easy meal. This makes them perfect for meal prep or when hosting guests.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the sauce recipe! It’s great for drizzling over rice or even saving for later to use in other dishes like stir-fries.
Topping Ideas
- Chopped Green Onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color. It also brings a slight sharpness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor. Toasted sesame seeds are even better as they add a deeper, richer taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes add a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and an extra layer of flavor that complements the tropical notes of the dish. It’s especially good if you like a hint of herbaceousness.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the meatballs. The acidity from the lime brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
Storing + Reheating
- To Store: Place leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish gets even better as it sits, as the flavors continue to develop.
- To Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. You may have to add some water or pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened much in the fridge.
- To Freeze: Place the cooked meatballs (without the sauce) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or put it in a bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in the Hawaiian sauce. You may also put the sauce on the freezer separately in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 16g
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or turkey all work well in this recipe. Just consider the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook faster. Ground chicken or turkey can result in a slightly different texture, but they are delicious alternatives.
- Can I make these meatballs in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
- How do I make the sauce thicker?
- If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, letting it cook until it thickens to your liking. Be sure to add the slurry slowly and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious meatballs without any gluten concerns.
- What can I serve with Hawaiian meatballs?
- These meatballs pair perfectly with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even a light side salad for a balanced meal. You could also serve them alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for added nutrition.