Sizzling Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Joy

Succulent meatballs with pineapple bbq sauce might just become your new dinner obsession.

Chunks of sweet tropical fruit complement savory ground meat perfectly.

Juicy pork or beef blend into tender, irresistible bites that sing with tangy flavors.

Spicy-sweet sauce coats each morsel, creating an incredible balance of taste sensations.

Simple ingredients combine quickly for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone adores.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners will feel instantly special with this crowd-stopping dish.

Peek into the recipe and prepare to be amazed by how delicious these meatballs can be.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Cooking List

• Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation for hearty meatballs, lean beef works best for less grease.
• Egg: Natural binder that holds meatball mixture together, helps prevent crumbling.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb moisture, use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of savory flavor, fresh alternatives can be substituted.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste, adjust according to personal preference.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and glazing quality, choose thick, smoky varieties for best results.
• Crushed Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and moisture to meatballs, drain excess liquid before adding.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Easy Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This temperature will help create perfectly golden meatballs with a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 2: Create Meatball Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Use your hands to mix everything until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Morsels

Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized balls.

Place each meatball carefully on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching each other.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let the meatballs cook for 15-20 minutes, transforming into golden-brown delights.

Check that they’re fully cooked through by cutting one open.

Step 5: Craft Tangy Pineapple Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Crushed pineapple

Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a sweet and tangy coating.

Step 6: Coat Meatballs in Sauce

Gently toss the baked meatballs in the warm pineapple BBQ sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously covered.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the saucy meatballs to a serving platter.

Enjoy these tropical-inspired bites while they’re hot and bursting with flavor.

BBQ Pineapple Meatballs – Tips For A Sticky Glaze

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for juicier, more flavorful meatballs without excess grease.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for lighter texture and better moisture retention in meatballs.
• Let pineapple BBQ sauce reduce slightly to concentrate flavors and create a thicker, more clingy coating.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F internally for safe consumption.
• Prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days for convenient meal prep.

Storing and Reheating Pineapple BBQ Meatballs the Right Way

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
• Warm meatballs at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of extra BBQ sauce to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Matches

• Pair with Bright Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the tangy pineapple BBQ sauce, balancing the rich meatballs with its crisp acidity and fruity undertones.
• Create Tropical Rice Sidekick: Prepare coconut rice with chopped cilantro to echo the pineapple's tropical notes and provide a complementary texture that enhances the meatballs' savory profile.
• Match with Zesty Slaw: Whip up a quick cabbage slaw with green onions and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meat and add a refreshing crunch to the plate.
• Select Crisp Lager Companion: Choose a light, cold American lager that won't overpower the meatballs' delicate flavor, offering a clean palate cleanser between bites of the sweet and tangy dish.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs with Sweet & Smoky Swaps

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Turkey Meatball Swap: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat version that's lighter and healthier.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled firm tofu instead of beef, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meatless version.
• Spicy Tropical Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture and sauce for those who enjoy extra heat with their sweet-tangy flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and cooked thoroughly to maintain moisture.

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Use fresh breadcrumbs and eggs as binders, and avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Gently form the meatballs and don’t compress them too tightly.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce appeals to children, and the meatballs are soft and easy to eat. Most kids love these flavorful bites.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then reheat them in the sauce before serving. They’ll stay moist and delicious.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Hit Sweet And Savory Just Right

• Quick Kitchen Win: Whip up delicious meatballs in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Sweet pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce create an irresistible taste combination that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Party Starter: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners with minimal cooking skills required.
• Healthy-ish Comfort Food: Baked instead of fried meatballs offer a lighter protein option without sacrificing incredible flavor and juiciness.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Pineapple BBQ Meatballs combine sweet Hawaiian flavors with savory ground beef for an irresistible party appetizer. Guests will devour these juicy, glazed morsels that bring tropical zest to any gathering, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (453 grams) ground beef

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and aromatic seasonings in a mixing vessel, ensuring thorough incorporation of all components.
2. Craft uniform spherical portions using gentle hand motions, arranging them systematically on a lined baking tray with minimal contact between meatballs.
3. Roast in a preheated oven, monitoring internal temperature to guarantee complete culinary transformation and achieve a rich golden-brown exterior.
4. While meatballs develop their savory profile, prepare the complementary sauce by gently merging tangy BBQ condiment with fragrant, sweet crushed pineapple in a simmering pan.
5. Allow sauce ingredients to meld together, creating a harmonious fusion of tropical and smoky flavor profiles over medium-low heat.
6. Extract meatballs from the oven, verifying doneness through visual inspection and potential internal temperature check.
7. Delicately coat each meatball in the luscious pineapple-infused BBQ glaze, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
8. Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving platter, presenting them while maintaining optimal warmth and appetizing appearance.
9. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or chopped green onions for enhanced visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity.

Notes

• Experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding finely diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle kick of heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg