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Home / Recipes / Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

50 mins
| 21 Comments |
4.86 from 28 votes
Jump to Recipe 03/23/18 | Updated: 03/06/21 | by Nora

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are delicious homemade meatballs smothered in a quickly made from scratch pineapple BBQ sauce. Serve them over rice with an Asian-inspired coleslaw for a healthy family meal.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs on a white plate with slaw and cilantro.

This recipe. It’s the essence of what I love: Homemade meatballs and a delicious pineapple BBQ sauce. I already love plain bbq meatballs, but add pineapple and it’s my own personal food bliss.

I’m all about the Hawaiian BBQ flavors, there’s just something about the spicy-sweet combination… Delicious.

I’ve always been a huge fan of fruit in savory dishes, and my kids are no different. In fact, my 3 year old will try to steal the pineapple chunks from my plate while I’m busy keeping her little sister from shampooing anything and everything with barbecue sauce, that’s how much she loves it.

By the way, I’m generally not successful at keeping my little one from spreading her food all around the dining table. There’s a woman walking past our window to and from work every day and I’m convinced she believes all I do is kneel on the floor, cleaning up food.

But toddler habits aside, if you’ve tried and loved any of my other Hawaiian BBQ recipes (Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Tacos or Pineapple BBQ Crock Pot Baked Beans), you’re going to love these meatballs.

Close up photos of Pineapple BBQ Meatballs in a skillet.

Why these Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are amazing:

  • They’re so easy to make! Once you’ve got the hang of making meatballs from scratch, you can put this together in no time. The ingredients are simple, nothing fancy there, and prep time is super quick.
  • They’re freezer friendly. When I’m planning to freeze these, I pack the sauce and the meatballs separately, then put them together in a larger freezer bag as a little meal kit. You could even freeze parboiled rice with them, too! But if there are leftovers I know we’re not going to get through, I’ve frozen them in the sauce before, too. Not ideal, but they’re still OK.
  • You can customize them! I like to use ground turkey when I make these, but you can also use lean ground beef or pork. If you like to spice things up a bit, some chili flakes in the meatballs and fresh sliced chili in the sauce can be pretty amazing.
Pineapple BBQ Meatballs in a skillet.

We love serving these over rice with a big, asian-inspired salad on the side. But if you’re looking for more ideas to make a meal out of meatballs, I’ve got an entire post written on side dishes for BBQ meatballs!

And if you’re generally curious about what turns meatballs into a meal, I’ve got ideas for sides for all kinds of meatballs in this post.

Now that we’ve got your sides covered, lets see how you’re going to make your meatballs:

How To Make Pineapple BBQ Meatballs:

  1. You’ll start with the meatballs: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix very well. I generally like doing this with a hand mixer because I don’t enjoy doing it with my bare hands. I have step-by-step photos for this in this post on how to make homemade meatballs, if you need them.
  2. Shape the meatballs and freeze them for 10 minutes. This is optional, but helps them to keep a better shape. In the meantime, preheat the oven.
  3. While the meatballs are freezing/baking, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a large skillet and boil until thickened, whisking constantly. This is important, otherwise you could end up with a lumpy sauce.
  4. Add the baked meatballs to the finished sauce and gently toss in there on low heat until the meatballs are nicely glazed.

P.S: If you’re using a nonstick skillet, you’re going to have to use a silicone whisk like this one on Amazon to keep the skillet’s coating from getting scratched. FYI, I make a commission for purchases made through this link.

Woman in a pink sweater serving a plate of Pineapple BBQ Meatballs.

And by the way, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll also be able to easily make my Teriyaki Meatballs. And Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs (which you could also make on the stove if time is tight!), and my Korean BBQ Meatballs!

Anyways, food bliss. Coming your way as soon as the meatballs hit your plate.

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Pineapple BBQ Meatballs ina. stainless steel skillet.
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Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are delicious homemade meatballs smothered in a pineapple BBQ sauce you can whip up from scratch in 5 minutes. Serve them over rice with an Asian-inspired coleslaw for a healthy family meal.
Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings
made it? tap the stars to add your rating!
4.86 from 28 votes
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Recipe details

Prep 30 mins
Cook 15 mins
Chilling Time 10 mins
Total 50 mins
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
 

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground turkey lean beef or pork
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 scallion finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 handful cilantro chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for baking

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon molasses NOT blackstrap
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
  • 1 cup finely diced pineapple OR canned crushed pineapple

Instructions
 

Make the meatballs:

  • Mix the ingredients: Place all ingredients EXCEPT for the oil in a large bowl. Using a handheld mixer, mix very well until everything is evenly incorporated and sticks together. If you don’t have a handheld mixer, you’ll have to use your hands to knead the ingredients together very well.
  • Shape meatballs: Using about 1.5 teaspoons of meat mix per meatball, shape meatballs and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. For a nicer shape, freeze them for 10 minutes (but this is entirely optional! Just for looks).
  • Bake meatballs: Preheat the oven to 410°F. Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until browned and no longer pink in the middle.

While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce:

  • Whisk all ingredients for the sauce EXCEPT for the pineapple together in a large skillet. Stir in the pineapple, then bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Set aside.

Finish the dish:

  • Place the baked meatballs in the skillet with the sauce and put it back over low head. Gently toss the meatballs with the sauce until they’re nicely glazed.
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Notes

Nutrition is an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 368kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 31gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 809mgPotassium: 816mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 385IUVitamin C: 32.5mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 3.3mg
Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings
About Nora 
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me!   Learn more.

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Comments

  1. Rachel Goerend says

    February 01, 2022 at 12:58 am

    3 stars
    The meatballs were good, but the sauce is way too sweet.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      February 05, 2022 at 2:26 pm

      I’m sorry you found the sauce too sweet, Rachel. It’s a recipe I’ve got on my list of recipes to re-shoot, and I will be taking your comment into consideration when I re-make it. Maybe it can do with a little less sugar, or maybe I can add some guidance for people who like their pineapple BBQ sauce a little more on the savory side.

      Reply
  2. Taylor says

    November 04, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Is there a substitute for molasses?

    Reply
    • Nora says

      November 06, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      Taylor, you can easily use more honey or maple syrup. It will change the taste, but it’s still delicious.

      Reply
  3. Malissa says

    January 31, 2021 at 10:05 pm

    5 stars
    I made these are they are so good!! My whole family loved them. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

    Reply
  4. Andromeda LeTourneau says

    April 01, 2019 at 11:35 am

    How would one make this in a slow cooker without the sauce burning?

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 01, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      Hi Andromeda, if you take a look at this recipe: https://www.savorynothings.com/cranberry-bbq-crockpot-meatballs/ you can see the instructions for a similar recipe made in the slow cooker. Essentially, you’ll bake the meatballs as instructed in the Pineapple BBQ recipe. There is no need to pre-cook the sauce. Simply whisk all sauce ingredients together and add them to your slow cooker with the fully baked meatballs. Then cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. For a thicker sauce, remove the slow cooker lid for the final 15 minutes of cooking time. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  5. De says

    February 20, 2019 at 1:42 am

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner using ground pork. Delicious and my grandkids loved it – served with noodles. Thanks for your post! Will be making this again!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      February 20, 2019 at 11:11 am

      I’m so glad the meatballs turned out well for you, De! Even better that the grandkids loved them – my kids are huge fans, too. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment, I appreciate it very much.

      Reply
  6. Claire says

    April 02, 2018 at 7:55 am

    5 stars
    These were such a massive hit with my boys and my nephews!
    I served them up with plastic forks as a holiday snack.
    They have requested them again for the next time we have a family get together!

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 07, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      So glad the meatballs were a hit with your family, Claire! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review for this recipe – I appreciate it!

      Reply
  7. April says

    April 02, 2018 at 7:12 am

    5 stars
    Oooh wow these sound so delicious! I haven’t had meatballs in so long I think it’s time to make some. Do you think I can use all ground beef?

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 07, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      Hi April, yes you absolutely can! Hope you’ll enjoy these!

      Reply
  8. swathi says

    April 02, 2018 at 4:31 am

    5 stars
    Pineapple and barbecue sauce goes well that meat balls looks really juicy and yummy. I like the colorful thai peanut salad too. both of them make great meal.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 07, 2018 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks Swathi! We love the salad!

      Reply
  9. Marisa Franca says

    April 02, 2018 at 12:36 am

    5 stars
    What an interesting combination. I usually don’t think of my meatballs with something sweet. Your recipe would make a wonderful appetizer. My family go after anything that has meat in it. This would be snarfed up in a heartbeat.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 07, 2018 at 1:37 pm

      These definitely work wonderfully as an appetizer, Marisa! Thanks for your lovely comment.

      Reply
  10. Veena Azmanov says

    April 01, 2018 at 7:55 am

    5 stars
    THere is something about pineapple and meat that just pairs so perfectly together. I love making pineapple on BBQ all the time so I know this is going to be absolutely amazing. Love how thick the sauce is.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 07, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      Thanks Veena, we’re all about the thick and sticky sauce 😉

      Reply
  11. Michelle says

    March 31, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    5 stars
    I love pineapple juice and ginger in my barbecue sauce so this dish is absolutely delicious, thank you for sharing your method of freezing the meatballs after shaping them, it really helps.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      April 07, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      Michelle, I’m glad freezing the meatballs helped! And thank you for taking the time to leave a recipe review – I appreciate it!

      Reply

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Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings

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Hi, I'm Nora! I wasn't always a good cook, but then I fell in love with a professional chef and learned my way around the kitchen. Now I share all my secrets to effortlessly great food here on my blog, bite-sized for home cooks just like me and you.

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