The Story & Intro
The first time I made Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce, I wasn’t trying to cook anything fancy. I just wanted something warm, comforting, and a little joyful after a long day in my kitchen. Growing up in Crete, my grandmother always believed sweet and savory belonged together. She’d smile while adding honey to meat dishes and say, “Food should surprise you, my girl.”
That memory comes back every time I make Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce. The tender meatballs, the sweet pineapple, and that glossy sauce feel like a hug on a plate. Even though this dish isn’t Greek, it carries the same spirit I learned as a child simple ingredients, cooked with love, meant to bring people together.
I love serving Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce when friends come over. The kitchen gets noisy, a little messy, and full of laughter. That’s when I know a recipe is doing its job. This dish is easy enough for beginners, but special enough to make everyone ask for seconds. And honestly, watching women gather around the table, sharing stories and food, is my favorite part of cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes. Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce is sweet, savory, juicy, and incredibly satisfying. It comes together with pantry staples and doesn’t require complicated steps.
You can serve it as a party appetizer, a cozy family dinner, or even meal prep for busy weekdays. The pineapple sauce adds brightness, while the meatballs stay tender and flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe that makes cooking feel fun again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the meatballs:
- Ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- Soy sauce
- Ginger powder
For the pineapple sauce:
- Pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Water
These ingredients work together beautifully to create that signature sweet-and-savory flavor that makes Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce so irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands. Don’t overmix this keeps the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls. Heat a skillet with a little oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. You don’t need to cook them fully yet, just give them a golden crust. Set them aside.
In the same pan, add pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce. Stir until thick and glossy.
Add the pineapple chunks and return the meatballs to the pan. Let everything simmer together until the meatballs are cooked through and coated in sauce. The aroma alone will tell you this dish is ready.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce over steamed white rice, letting the sauce soak into every grain. They’re also wonderful with jasmine rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes.
For parties, serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer. Add a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh finish. No matter how you serve them, they disappear fast.
Recipe Card 🍍🥩
⏱️ Time Cook
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix meatball ingredients gently.
- Roll into balls and brown in a skillet.
- Simmer sauce ingredients until thick.
- Add pineapple and meatballs.
- Cook until glazed and juicy.
📝 Note
Don’t overmix the meatballs. Gentle hands make tender results.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 18g
Short 100-Word Version
Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and savory comfort. Juicy meatballs simmer in a glossy pineapple sauce made with brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce for bold flavor. This easy recipe comes together quickly and works beautifully for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. Serve it over rice or as an appetizer, and watch it disappear. Inspired by my love for simple, joyful cooking, this dish proves that a few basic ingredients can create something truly special and unforgettable.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh pineapple if you want extra brightness.
- Make the meatballs ahead and freeze them.
- Double the sauce if you love extra glaze.
- Add bell peppers for more color and crunch.
Conclusion
Cooking Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce reminds me why I fell in love with food in the first place. It’s not about perfection it’s about sharing, laughing, and creating memories around the table. This dish brings warmth, flavor, and happiness into any home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will always feel like a little celebration.