The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and today I’m sharing one of those recipes that feels like a joyful vacation right in your kitchen Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs. 🌴🍍
I still remember the first time I made these. It was one of those evenings when my kitchen was already a little messy, music was playing, and I wanted something comforting but fun. Growing up, my grandmother always told me food should make people smile, and these Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs do exactly that.
Cooking has been part of my life since childhood, learning traditional dishes full of love and flavor, but I also enjoy adding a bit of creativity. These Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs are sweet, smoky, tangy, and incredibly cozy. They’re perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or when you just want something easy that everyone loves.
I believe food brings people together, especially women who love sharing warmth through cooking. Whether you’re new to cooking or already confident, this recipe is simple, forgiving, and full of joy. Let’s cook together and make memories one delicious bite at a time. 💛
🛒 Ingredients
To make these irresistible Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs, you’ll need simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work together beautifully.
| 🛒 Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (or beef & pork mix) | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | ½ small |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| BBQ sauce | 1 cup |
| Pineapple chunks (with juice) | 1 can (20 oz) |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Ginger (optional) | ½ tsp |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs is wonderfully easy. No stress, no fancy techniques — just good food made with love.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands. Don’t overmix that keeps the meatballs tender.
Step 2: Shape
Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. You should get about 20–24 meatballs.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, pineapple (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. This sweet-and-savory sauce is what makes Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs so special.
Step 5: Simmer
Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs are incredibly versatile:
- Serve over steamed white rice 🍚
- Pair with buttery mashed potatoes
- Add toothpicks for party appetizers
- Stuff into slider buns for mini sandwiches
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad
They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or family gatherings.
⏱️ Time | 🛒 Ingredients | 👩🍳 Instructions | 📝 Notes | 🍽️ Nutrition
| ⏱️ Time | 🛒 Ingredients | 👩🍳 Instructions | 📝 Notes | 🍽️ Nutrition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prep: 15 min | Beef, pineapple, BBQ sauce | Mix, brown, simmer | Don’t overmix meat | ~380 cal |
| Cook: 30 min | Pantry staples | Easy skillet recipe | Great for meal prep | High protein |
| Total: 45 min | Kid-friendly | Beginner-friendly | Freezer-friendly | Comfort food |
📝 Notes
- You can use frozen meatballs if you’re short on time.
- Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. 🌶️
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Recipe Card 🍍
Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs
Sweet, tangy, and comforting perfect for busy nights or parties.
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes
🛒 Ingredients: Ground beef, pineapple, BBQ sauce
👩🍳 Instructions: Mix, brown, simmer
📝 Notes: Freezer-friendly, family favorite
🍽️ Nutrition: Balanced and satisfying
Conclusion
Cooking these Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs always reminds me why I love being in the kitchen. Food doesn’t have to be complicated to be special it just needs heart. From my cozy kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this recipe brings smiles, warmth, and togetherness to your table. 💛
Let the sauce simmer, let the kitchen get a little messy, and enjoy every moment. That’s where the magic is.
