Pineapple Meatballs

Name: Pineapple Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, well-drained); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko); 1 large egg; 2 tbsp soy sauce; For the Sauce: 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 tsp garlic powder

Published: November 13, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Pineapple Meatballs

This incredible Pineapple Meatballs transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pineapple Meatballs:

Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep the meatballs juicy without being too greasy.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works great; just ensure they’re well-drained if using canned.
Breadcrumbs: You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs; both add texture and help bind the meatballs.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together while baking.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth to both the meatball mixture and sauce.

For the Sauce:

Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness that balances out the savory flavors beautifully.
Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through richness and enhance flavors.
Garlic Powder: A must for extra flavor; fresh garlic works too but requires more prep work!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Pineapple Meatballs:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup—because who wants to scrub burnt food off later?

Step 2: Make Your Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, and salt. Mix until just combined; overmixing will make them tough—nobody wants hockey pucks on their plate!

Step 3: Form The Meatballs

Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs—about one inch round should do it. You can be precise or go rogue; just aim for consistency so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Bake The Meatballs

Place your formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. You might want to flip them halfway through—not because they need it but because it makes you feel like a master chef!

Step 5: Prepare The Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, whisk together brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer until slightly thickened—around five minutes should do.

Step 6: Combine And Serve

Once the meatballs are ready, toss them in the sauce until well coated. Transfer them onto plates or serve them straight from the pan if you’re feeling casual! Drizzle any extra sauce on top for good measure.

These Pineapple Meatballs are perfect served over rice or alongside some stir-fried veggies. Now grab your fork and dig in—it’s time to savor every bite of this tropical delight!

You Must Know About Pineapple Meatballs

This showstopping Pineapple Meatballs delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve the best results when making Pineapple Meatballs, start by mixing your meatball ingredients while preheating the oven. Once mixed, form the meatballs and bake them to golden perfection before tossing them in a delicious sauce.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Pineapple Meatballs by swapping out ground beef for turkey or chicken. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a flavor boost, or throw in some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Pineapple Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave them until warm or heat them gently on the stovetop for optimal texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Pineapple Meatballs

This professional-quality Pineapple Meatballs relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

When I first whipped up these Pineapple Meatballs for a casual dinner with friends, I didn’t expect the rave reviews! Everyone kept asking me for the recipe, and I couldn’t help but feel like a culinary rockstar that night!

FAQs

What are Pineapple Meatballs?

Pineapple Meatballs are a delicious fusion dish that combines savory meatballs with the sweetness of pineapple. Typically made using ground beef or pork, these meatballs are often mixed with ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. The unique twist comes from adding pineapple chunks either in the meatball mixture or as part of a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, offering a delightful contrast of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

How do you make Pineapple Meatballs?

To make Pineapple Meatballs, start by mixing ground meat with breadcrumbs, diced onions, garlic, and spices in a bowl. Shape the mixture into small balls and brown them in a skillet. Next, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice in a separate pan to create your sauce. Add pineapple chunks and simmer until thickened. Finally, return the meatballs to the pan and coat them with the sauce. Serve warm over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken for Pineapple Meatballs?

Yes! You can absolutely use ground chicken to make Pineapple Meatballs. Ground chicken offers a leaner alternative while still retaining flavor and moisture when cooked correctly. Just follow the same preparation steps as you would with beef or pork. Additionally, using chicken can add a new layer of taste that complements the sweet pineapple beautifully.

Are Pineapple Meatballs healthy?

Pineapple Meatballs can be part of a balanced diet when made with wholesome ingredients. Opting for lean meats or plant-based alternatives can lower fat content. Incorporating fresh vegetables into your recipe also boosts nutritional value. The natural sugars from the pineapple provide energy without excessive calories when used in moderation. Overall, enjoy this dish as an occasional treat within a varied diet.

Conclusion

In summary, Pineapple Meatballs are an exciting dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in every bite. They are easy to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences by using different types of meat or even vegetarian options. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a fun weeknight meal, these meatballs offer something special. Don’t hesitate to try out this delightful recipe and impress your family and friends with its unique taste!

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📖 Recipe Card