The Story & Intro
Every time I make Hawaiian Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze, I’m taken back to those loud, joyful family gatherings where the table was never quiet and the kitchen was always a little messy. Growing up in Crete, I learned early that food isn’t just fuel it’s a language of love. My grandmother would always say, “If the sauce is good, everyone stays longer.” And she was right.
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 warmth and flavor. While Hawaiian Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze aren’t Greek, they perfectly match my philosophy: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and food that brings people together especially women who love sharing joy through cooking.
I first made these Hawaiian Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze for a casual girls’ night. I wanted something easy but impressive, sweet but savory, and absolutely comforting. The pineapple, the sticky glaze, the tender meatballs everyone kept asking for the recipe before the night was over. That’s when I knew this dish was a keeper.
These Hawaiian Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze are perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game days, or anytime you want food that feels fun and festive without stress. My kitchen definitely gets messy when I make them but that’s where the magic happens. Cooking is about stories, memories, and laughing while the sauce bubbles away.
Let’s cook together 💛
🛒 Ingredients
| 🛒 Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Pineapple chunks (canned, drained) | 1 cup |
| Sweet chili sauce | ¾ cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch + water | 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands gently until just combined. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs.
2. Bake Until Juicy
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
3. Make the Sweet Chili Glaze
In a saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, and pineapple chunks. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy and thick. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Bring It All Together
Add baked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss until fully coated. Let simmer for 5 minutes so flavors soak in.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze are incredibly versatile:
- Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice 🍚
- Skewer with toothpicks for parties 🎉
- Pair with roasted veggies for a balanced dinner 🥦
- Add to slider buns for sweet-savory sandwiches 🍔
They’re even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep.
📋 Recipe Card
⏱️ Time ⏱️
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
🛒 Ingredients 🛒
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Sweet chili sauce | ¾ cup |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup |
👩🍳 Instructions 👩🍳
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mix and form meatballs |
| 2 | Bake until golden |
| 3 | Simmer glaze |
| 4 | Toss meatballs in sauce |
📝 Notes 📝
| Tip |
|---|
| Use ground turkey for a lighter option |
| Add red pepper flakes for heat |
| Don’t overmix meatballs |
🍽️ Nutrition 🍽️
| Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories: ~320 |
| Protein: 18g |
| Carbs: 22g |
| Fat: 18g |
Conclusion
These Hawaiian Meatballs with Sweet Chili Glaze are the kind of recipe that makes people linger at the table a little longer. Sweet, savory, sticky, and comforting they remind me why I love cooking so much. Food like this brings laughter, stories, and connection, no matter where you’re from.
From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope these meatballs fill your home with warmth and happy memories. Cooking doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to be made with love 💛
