The Story & Intro
Every time I make Hawaiian Meatballs with Noodles, I’m taken back to evenings in my grandmother’s small kitchen in Crete, where sweet and savory flavors always danced together on the stove. Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional dishes full of love and flavor. While this recipe isn’t Greek, it carries that same spirit she taught me balance, warmth, and food that brings people together.
The first time I tried Hawaiian Meatballs with Noodles, I was cooking for friends who wanted something cozy but fun, familiar yet a little unexpected. The sweetness of pineapple, the tangy sauce, the juicy meatballs, and soft noodles reminded me why I love mixing classic comfort food with creative twists. My kitchen got messy (as always 😄), but the laughter around the table made it worth it.
I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking. This Hawaiian Meatballs with Noodles recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights or relaxed family dinners. Whether you’re new to cooking or already confident in the kitchen, I’m here to help you enjoy making meals that feel like home even when they travel a little beyond tradition.
Ingredients
To make the best Hawaiian Meatballs with Noodles, you’ll need simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully.
⏱️ Time 🕒
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 minutes |
🛒 Ingredients 🧺
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | ½ cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Pineapple chunks (canned or fresh) | 1½ cups |
| Pineapple juice | ½ cup |
| Soy sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Ketchup | ½ cup |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 2 tbsp |
| Egg noodles | 10 oz |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Green onions (optional) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions 🍳
| Step | What To Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. |
| 2 | Roll into medium-sized meatballs. Don’t overwork the mixture — tender meatballs are the goal. |
| 3 | Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside. |
| 4 | In the same skillet, add pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and vinegar. Stir well. |
| 5 | Add pineapple chunks and bring sauce to a gentle simmer. |
| 6 | Mix cornstarch with water and stir into sauce to thicken. |
| 7 | Return meatballs to skillet. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked and coated in sauce. |
| 8 | Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain well. |
| 9 | Toss noodles with meatballs and sauce until evenly combined. |
| 10 | Garnish with green onions and serve warm. |
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Meatballs with Noodles are incredibly versatile and fit so many occasions. I love serving them family-style in a big bowl right in the center of the table it invites everyone to dig in and share.
Here are a few cozy serving ideas:
- Pair with a crisp green salad for balance
- Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick
- Sprinkle sesame seeds for extra texture
- Serve leftovers in a lunch bowl the next day they taste even better
This dish works beautifully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends. It’s sweet, savory, and comforting without being heavy.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time 🕒
| Prep | Cook | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 30 min | 50 min |
🛒 Ingredients 🧺
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Pineapple chunks | 1½ cups |
| Soy sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Egg noodles | 10 oz |
👩🍳 Instructions 🍳
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mix meatball ingredients |
| 2 | Brown meatballs |
| 3 | Prepare Hawaiian sauce |
| 4 | Simmer meatballs |
| 5 | Cook noodles and combine |
📝 Notes 📌
| Tip |
|---|
| Don’t overmix meatballs |
| Use fresh pineapple if possible |
| Sauce thickens as it cools |
| Great for meal prep |
🍽️ Nutrition (Approximate) 🧮
| Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories: 520 |
| Protein: 28g |
| Carbs: 48g |
| Fat: 24g |
Conclusion
Cooking Hawaiian Meatballs with Noodles reminds me why I fell in love with food in the first place. It’s playful, comforting, and filled with flavors that make people smile. From my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete to my own slightly messy one today, cooking has always been about sharing stories and making memories.
This dish is proof that you don’t need complicated steps to create something special. Just simple ingredients, a little love, and the joy of feeding people you care about. I’m so happy to share this recipe with you and I hope it becomes part of your own table stories too 💛
