Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them a hit at any gathering, from casual weeknight dinners to festive parties. The juicy, tender meatballs are infused with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce and complemented by the tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a unique and mouthwatering dish. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table.

With just a few ingredients and a simple cooking process, this recipe comes together quickly and is easy to customize. You can even prepare them ahead of time for an effortless meal when you’re busy. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make these irresistible Pineapple BBQ Meatballs!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet & Savory Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce and pineapple creates the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors.
2. Versatile: These meatballs can be served as appetizers, a main dish, or even over rice for a complete meal.
3. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this dish in under 30 minutes.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual family dinners.

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to ensure the meatballs stay tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Scoop out small portions of the meat mixture (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C if using ground chicken or turkey).

Step 2: Make the Pineapple BBQ Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: While the meatballs are baking, combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, honey, soy sauce, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue to simmer for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice levels by adding more honey or red pepper flakes, if desired.

Step 3: Coat the Meatballs

1. Toss the Meatballs in Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce has thickened, transfer the meatballs to a large bowl. Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them in the sauce.
2. Serve: Serve the meatballs as an appetizer, over a bed of rice for a complete meal, or with a side of vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Use Lean Ground Meat: While ground beef provides the most flavor, using lean ground turkey or chicken is a great way to make the dish lighter.
2. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the flavor of the sauce by adding more pineapple for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or honey for extra richness. If you like your sauce spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
3. Make-Ahead Option: You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and refrigerate the sauce separately. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs and sauce and toss them together as instructed.
4. Freezer-Friendly: These meatballs freeze well. To freeze, place the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the meatballs and heat them in the sauce.
5. Serve on Skewers: For a fun twist, you can skewer the meatballs onto wooden or metal sticks and serve them as a finger food at parties or barbecues.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based meat alternative (such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger) to make the meatballs vegetarian. Make sure to check the ingredient list for any gluten or other allergens.
2. Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, try adding finely chopped vegetables (like spinach, zucchini, or carrots) into the meatball mixture. This will add moisture and extra nutrition to the meatballs.
3. Crockpot Version: If you prefer a slow-cooked version, you can transfer the baked meatballs into a slow cooker and cover them with the pineapple BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours for a tender, flavorful result.

Serving Suggestions

These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs as a party appetizer with toothpicks or small skewers for easy dipping.
2. Over Rice: Place the meatballs over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for this recipe. Just cook them according to the package instructions and proceed with the sauce preparation.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier? Add more red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
3. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned. Just make sure to blend or chop it finely for the best texture in the sauce.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, both the meatballs and the sauce can be prepared in advance. Just store the meatballs and sauce separately in the refrigerator, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are an irresistible combination of flavors that will impress your guests or satisfy your family. The sweet and tangy pineapple pairs beautifully with the smoky BBQ sauce, while the tender meatballs bring everything together. Whether you’re preparing these for a special occasion, weeknight dinner, or just to enjoy as a snack, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Yield: 6

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them a hit at any gathering, from casual weeknight dinners to festive parties. The juicy, tender meatballs are infused with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce and complemented by the tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a unique and mouthwatering dish. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
• For the Pineapple BBQ Sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the can of pineapple chunks)
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix everything together until well combined.
• Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form meatballs, about 1-inch in size. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
• Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the meatballs are browned, place them in the oven to finish cooking for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

2. Prepare the Pineapple BBQ Sauce

• While the meatballs are baking, make the pineapple BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, chopped pineapple, pineapple juice, honey or brown sugar (if using), apple cider vinegar, and chili powder (if using).
• Stir the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

3. Coat the Meatballs with Sauce

• Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them in the sauce.

4. Serve

• Transfer the sauced meatballs to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
• Serve the pineapple BBQ meatballs with rice, mashed potatoes, or on a bun for a meatball slider.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze the meatballs (before baking) on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking directly from frozen and warming the sauce on the stovetop.