Hawaiian Meatballs
These delicious Hawaiian meatballs combine juicy ground beef and tropical pineapple for a family-friendly dish that's both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Provides a hearty base.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh) Adds tropical sweetness.
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs Binds the meatballs.
- 3 green onions (finely chopped) Elevates the taste profile.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Enhances overall flavor.
Flavor Enhancers
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Introduces umami richness.
- 1/4 cup ketchup Adds sweetness and tang.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar Caramelizes for sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil Infuses nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice Reinforces tropical flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, fresh pineapple chunks, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, and minced garlic. Mix gently.
- Add the low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and sesame oil into the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- While baking, combine any remaining pineapple juice with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil in a small saucepan and heat gently.
Serving
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and drizzle them with the prepared sauce. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to avoid toughness. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if desired. For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.