Description
Hearty Pineapple BBQ Meatballs combine sweet Hawaiian flavors with savory ground beef. Zesty sauce and tender meatballs create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound frozen or homemade meatballs
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, rotating periodically to achieve an even golden-brown exterior, ensuring they are thoroughly heated.
- Whisk together BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Gently introduce pineapple chunks and prepared sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy coating that clings perfectly to each meatball.
- Remove skillet from heat and transfer meatballs to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a vibrant, zesty garnish.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing guests to enjoy the rich, tangy flavors of the pineapple BBQ glaze.
Notes
- Choose lean ground meat to reduce excess fat and create lighter meatballs.
- Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to help bind the meatballs and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks for a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to canned alternatives.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce styles like smoky, sweet, or spicy to customize the dish’s taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg