Hawaiian Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering a sweet-and-savory punch with juicy meatballs nestled in a glossy, pineapple-studded sauce. Each bite is a mini vacation, bursting with tropical flavors and vibrant colors that cheer up any table. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight family dinner or want to impress guests at your next gathering, these Hawaiian Meatballs are as fun to make as they are to eat. Tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs soak up the tangy sauce, mingling with bell peppers and pineapple chunks for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Hawaiian Meatballs comes from a handful of simple, reliable ingredients. Each item here plays a vital role—some add sweetness, others bring a savory depth, and a few turn up the texture and color. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

Ground beef (1 pound): The foundation for juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold together perfectly.
Breadcrumbs (½ cup): These keep the meatballs tender and help them soak up all that tropical sauce.
Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder to keep your meatballs intact and moist.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Softens the breadcrumbs and adds a touch of richness.
Finely chopped onion (2 tablespoons): Infuses a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth right into the meatballs.
Garlic clove, minced (1): Adds savory, garlicky undertones that balance the sweet and sour elements.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A hint of heat and complexity in every bite.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, divided): Deepens the umami flavor in both the meatballs and the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the tangy sauce to just the right consistency.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing, it helps the veggies and pineapple caramelize and shine.
Pineapple chunks, drained (1 cup, juice reserved): The star ingredient adding sweetness, juiciness, and tropical flair.
Bell peppers, red and green, chopped (1 cup): These bring crunch, color, and a fresh, slightly grassy note.
Ketchup (½ cup): The base for a tangy, vibrant sauce that clings beautifully to the meatballs.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Rounds out the sauce with warmth and a mellow sweetness.
Reserved pineapple juice (¼ cup): Intensifies the fruity, tropical flavor in the sauce.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds zippy acidity that balances the sweetness and brings everything to life.

How to Make Hawaiian Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs could turn out tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and line them up on a baking sheet that’s either lined with parchment or lightly greased. This way, they bake up evenly and release easily.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Pop the tray of meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden color and an interior that’s cooked through. Baking instead of pan-frying keeps things lighter and means you can focus on the sauce (and maybe sneak a pineapple chunk or two).

Step 3: Whisk Together the Hawaiian Meatballs Sauce

While your meatballs are in the oven, whisk up the star of the show: the sweet-and-sour sauce. In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce. This glossy, tangy mixture is what transforms simple meatballs into unforgettable Hawaiian Meatballs.

Step 4: Sauté the Pineapple and Peppers

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped red and green bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the peppers start to soften but still keep their bright color and a bit of crunch. The pineapple will get a little caramelized, adding a deeper sweetness to your sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce and Simmer

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the peppers and pineapple. Stir frequently as it comes to a simmer; the cornstarch will work its magic, thickening the sauce in 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen start to smell absolutely amazing at this point!

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add your freshly baked meatballs right into the skillet and gently toss to coat each one in that vibrant, glossy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the meatballs to soak up all that tropical goodness. Serve warm and prepare for smiles all around.

How to Serve Hawaiian Meatballs

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way when it comes to Hawaiian Meatballs. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty note, while a few extra pineapple tidbits or slivers of red chili can make your dish look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are right at home piled over fluffy white rice, which soaks up all that luscious sauce. For a twist, try serving them with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice for a double dose of tropical flavor. Noodles, like rice vermicelli or even lo mein, also make a fantastic base. Add a side of crisp steamed broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Skewer individual Hawaiian Meatballs with a chunk of pineapple and a bell pepper for a festive appetizer. Or, serve them in a big bowl alongside toothpicks for easy snacking. For a fun family dinner, create a “build-your-own bowl” bar with various grains, fresh herbs, and crunchy toppings so everyone can make their perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hawaiian Meatballs store beautifully! Once cooled, transfer them (with plenty of sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day leftovers almost as exciting as the original meal.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Hawaiian Meatballs for easy future meals. Let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers (with sauce). Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly in this recipe if you want a lighter version of Hawaiian Meatballs. Just be sure to use a bit of oil or nonstick spray so the leaner meat doesn’t dry out, and check doneness since poultry cooks a bit faster than beef.

Can I make Hawaiian Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs and the sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the sauce, add the meatballs, and simmer together until everything is hot and flavorful.

What’s the best way to keep the meatballs tender?

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, and be sure to add the milk and breadcrumbs—they work together to create a moist, tender bite. Baking instead of frying also helps retain moisture and keeps the meatballs from getting tough.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your ketchup and other condiments just to be safe, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Hawaiian Meatballs everyone can enjoy.

What if I want the sauce a little spicier?

It’s easy to add heat! Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha when you whisk up the sauce. You can also top the finished dish with thinly sliced fresh chili for a colorful kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, vibrant, and guaranteed to make everyone smile, give Hawaiian Meatballs a try. The sweet and tangy flavors, pops of color, and saucy goodness make this dish a true favorite in my kitchen. I hope it becomes a regular at your table, too!

Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Hawaiian Meatballs combine juicy baked beef meatballs with a sweet and tangy pineapple and bell pepper sauce, offering a tropical twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, these meatballs are baked to perfection and simmered in a flavorful sauce made with pineapple juice, ketchup, and soy sauce, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Sauce and Vegetables

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
1 cup bell peppers, red and green, chopped
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined to ensure flavorful and moist meatballs.
Form and Bake Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–18 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through and nicely browned.
Make the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a bowl to create the sweet and tangy sauce base.
Sauté Vegetables and Pineapple: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their flavors.
Simmer Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and pineapple. Stir continuously and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients nicely.
Combine Meatballs with Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the sauce flavors.
Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Meatballs warm over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal with a tropical flair.