Hawaiian Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are savory, juicy, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of pineapple and the slight tang of a homemade sauce. They’re simple to make, kid-friendly, and customizable. Whether you serve them for dinner or as a party snack, they’ll disappear fast.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef,  chicken, or turkey

• Breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper

• Soy sauce

• Pineapple juice

• Brown sugar

• Ketchup

• Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• Cornstarch (to thicken sauce)

• Bell peppers, chopped

• Pineapple chunks

• Olive oil for cooking

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined and form into bite-sized meatballs.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

4. Stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce.

5. Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks, cooking until just tender.

6. Return meatballs to the pan, tossing to coat in sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until cooked through.

7. Serve hot over steamed rice or as an appetizer.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

• Asian-Inspired: Add ginger and sesame oil for extra depth.

• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

• Meat-Free: Use plant-based meat substitutes.

• Slow Cooker: Make the sauce, add browned meatballs, and let simmer on low for 2–3 hours.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave for a quick option.
Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to add to the sauce.

Do I have to brown the meatballs first?

Browning adds flavor and helps them hold together, but you could simmer them directly in the sauce if preferred.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks with their juice work perfectly.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes before adding them to the sauce.

What meat works best?

Beef,  chicken, or turkey all work well, or you can mix beef for extra flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg as binders.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the meatballs, then add them with the sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours.

Do kids like this recipe?

Absolutely! The sweet pineapple sauce makes it very kid-friendly.

What should I serve with Hawaiian meatballs?

They pair perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Meatballs are a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that’s both easy to make and crowd-pleasing. With juicy meatballs, fresh pineapple, and a flavorful sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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