There’s something magical about the combination of sweet pineapple and savory meatballs it instantly takes me back to family gatherings in Crete. I remember the first time I tried a Hawaiian-inspired meatball recipe. I was skeptical; pineapple in a savory dish? But the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! The sticky sauce clings to each meatball, giving a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe for Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce is one I’ve adapted over the years, keeping it simple, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Cooking these meatballs reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where food wasn’t just about taste it was about laughter, storytelling, and the warmth of sharing. The key to this dish is balancing the sweetness of pineapple with the tangy, slightly smoky sticky sauce. It’s fun to make, easy enough for beginners, and always impresses anyone who tries it.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, these Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce are guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Ingredients for Baked Hawaiian Meatballs 🍖🍍
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
For the Sticky Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder (optional for a hint of warmth)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined don’t overwork the meat or meatballs can be dense.
- Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly browned. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
- Prepare the sticky sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Combine meatballs and sauce: Pour the sticky sauce over the baked meatballs and add pineapple chunks. Gently stir to coat each meatball.
- Bake again: Return to the oven for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meatballs perfectly.
- Serve warm: These are perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the sticky sauce.
- Pair with stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and snap peas for a balanced meal.
- For a fun party platter, skewer the meatballs with pineapple chunks and serve as finger food.
Quick 100-Word Version of the Recipe ✨
These Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper to make tender meatballs. Bake until lightly browned. Meanwhile, prepare a sticky sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and optional ginger. Toss baked meatballs in the sauce with pineapple chunks, then bake 10 more minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these meatballs bring tropical vibes and warmth to your table.
Recipe Card for Easy Reference 📝
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 28 min
- Total: 43 min
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
Sticky Sauce: - 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ginger powder, 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix meatball ingredients and form into balls.
- Bake 15–18 min.
- Make sticky sauce in saucepan.
- Toss meatballs and pineapple in sauce.
- Bake 10 more min.
- Serve warm over rice/noodles.
📝 Notes
- Don’t overmix meatballs; they’ll stay tender.
- Use fresh or canned pineapple.
- Sauce can be made a day ahead for convenience.
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Conclusion 🌟
These Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce are my go-to recipe when I want something comforting, easy, and a little tropical. They’re sweet, savory, and perfect for bringing people together just like cooking should be. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for anyone to make. The sticky sauce clings perfectly to each meatball, and the pineapple adds a juicy, flavorful twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try you’ll be hooked from the first bite!