The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and today I’m bringing you a dish that always makes my kitchen feel like a celebration: Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce. I still remember the first time I made these. It wasn’t something my grandmother cooked back home in Crete, but that’s the beauty of food it travels, it evolves, and it brings people together in unexpected ways.
When I first tasted Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce, I was instantly hooked by that sweet-and-savory balance. The juicy meatballs, the tangy pineapple, the glossy sauce it felt playful, comforting, and perfect for sharing. In my home, recipes like this become moments: women gathering in the kitchen, kids sneaking bites, laughter echoing while sauce simmers on the stove.
Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make dishes full of love and flavor. Even when I’m making something inspired by another culture, like these Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce, I still cook the way she taught me with patience, warmth, and a little mess along the way. Food isn’t about perfection; it’s about joy.
This recipe is simple, friendly, and full of flavor, just the way I like it. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a cozy family dinner, or bringing something special to a potluck, Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce always steal the show. Let’s cook together and make something that feels like home even if that home is a sunny island vibe far from Crete 🌺🍍
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients Table
| 🛒 Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| 🥩 Ground beef | 1 lb |
| 🍞 Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| 🥚 Egg | 1 large |
| 🧄 Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| 🧂 Salt | 1 tsp |
| 🌶️ Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| 🧅 Onion (finely chopped) | ¼ cup |
| 🍍 Pineapple chunks (with juice) | 1 can (20 oz) |
| 🍅 Ketchup | ½ cup |
| 🍯 Brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| 🥢 Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| 🍎 Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| 🌽 Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| 💧 Water | 2 tbsp |
| 🌿 Optional garnish: green onions | For topping |
Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions Table
| 👩🍳 Step | What To Do |
|---|---|
| 🥣 Mix | In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. |
| ⚪ Shape | Roll into evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches each. |
| 🔥 Bake | Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes. |
| 🍍 Sauce | In a saucepan, add pineapple chunks with juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. |
| 🔥 Simmer | Bring sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. |
| 🌽 Thicken | Mix cornstarch with water, add to sauce, and stir until thick and glossy. |
| 🤝 Combine | Add baked meatballs to the sauce and gently coat. Simmer 5 minutes. |
| 🌿 Finish | Garnish with green onions and serve warm. |
Serving Suggestions
One of the things I love most about Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce is how flexible they are. When I’m serving them for dinner, I love placing them over a bed of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice, letting that sweet pineapple sauce soak into every grain. It’s simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
For parties, these meatballs shine on their own. I often keep them warm in a slow cooker with toothpicks on the side. They disappear fast trust me. You can also serve them with noodles, mashed potatoes, or even tucked into soft rolls for Hawaiian meatball sliders.
If you want to balance the sweetness, add a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. The contrast makes every bite even better. No matter how you serve them, Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce bring color, flavor, and happiness to the table 🍽️💛
⏱️ Time Table
| ⏱️ Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| ⏳ Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| 🔥 Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| ⏲️ Total Time | 40 minutes |
📝 Notes Table
| 📝 Notes | Tip |
|---|---|
| 🥩 Meat | Ground turkey works great as a lighter option |
| 🌶️ Heat | Add red pepper flakes for spice |
| 🍍 Pineapple | Fresh pineapple can be used, but canned adds sweetness |
| ❄️ Storage | Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated |
🍽️ Nutrition Table (Approximate)
| 🍽️ Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| 🔥 Calories | 320 |
| 🥩 Protein | 18g |
| 🍬 Carbs | 28g |
| 🧈 Fat | 15g |
| 🧂 Sodium | 720mg |
Recipe Card
🌺 Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce 🌺
A sweet, tangy, crowd-pleasing dish made with juicy meatballs and a glossy pineapple sauce. Perfect for parties, dinners, or cozy family nights.
Conclusion
Every time I make Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce, my kitchen fills with that irresistible sweet aroma, and I’m reminded why I love cooking so much. It’s not just about feeding people it’s about creating moments, sharing warmth, and bringing smiles to the table.
From my roots in Crete to recipes inspired by flavors from around the world, cooking has always been my way of connecting. This dish is joyful, comforting, and easy enough for anyone to make, whether you’re new to cooking or already confident in the kitchen.
I hope these Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce bring a little sunshine into your home, just like they do in mine. Cook with love, don’t worry about the mess, and enjoy every bite 💛🍍
