hawaiian meatball recipe
- The Best hawaiian meatball recipe
- Creamy Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Creamy Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce
The Best hawaiian meatball recipe
I love this recipe because it’s versatile. You can serve them as a side to grilled chicken or pork, or even as a standalone dish with steamed rice and fresh pineapple. My kids swear by them with ketchup and pickles on top—no judgment here. And let’s be honest, they’re easier than they look. You don’t need fancy ingredients; just good-quality ground beef or turkey, a few pantry staples, and a little time to let the flavors meld. Plus, the sauce is so forgiving—you can adjust the sweetness or spice to taste. It’s a recipe that works for both quick weeknight dinners and when you want to impress without overcomplicating things. And honestly? The kids’ love for them means it’s a win for the whole family.
Creamy Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce
A flavorful twist on classic meatballs, these tender bites combine savory beef with sweet pineapple and coconut milk for a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 fat ratio)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely diced pineapple
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, pineapple, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until evenly coated. -
2
Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. -
3
While meatballs bake, sauté garlic in a saucepan over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add pineapple juice, coconut milk, and soy sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in honey. -
4
Once meatballs are done, spoon pineapple sauce over them. Serve warm with steamed rice or crusty bread.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Meat grinder or food processor
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Creamy Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey if you prefer. Since turkey is leaner, you may want to add a splash of beef broth or a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the meatballs moist. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them until they reach your desired doneness.
How do I ensure the meatballs stay tender instead of turning rubbery?
To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the ingredients—only combine until just combined. Also, let them rest for a few minutes after shaping before baking. For extra moisture, lightly coat the meatballs with a bit of egg wash or breadcrumbs before baking.
What if I don’t have a baking sheet or don’t want to bake them?
You can bake them in an oven, but if you prefer not to use one, simmer the meatballs in a pot of tomato sauce for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and cooked through. Alternatively, pan-sear them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
To make more meatballs, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally. For example, double the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and grated onion, and triple the remaining ingredients. Adjust cooking time based on the batch size—baking may take 15–20 minutes instead of 10–12.
