One-Pan Hawaiian Meatballs and Rice

INAYA 2 hours ago

0 0 2 minutes read

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and this One-Pan Hawaiian Meatballs and Rice recipe always makes me smile. Even though it’s not traditionally Greek, it reminds me of what my grandmother taught me most food doesn’t need borders to bring comfort. I still remember standing in her small kitchen, apron too big for me, watching sauces bubble while she told stories about family and love.

When I first created One-Pan Hawaiian Meatballs and Rice, I wanted something joyful, colorful, and easy a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The sweet pineapple, tender meatballs, and fluffy rice come together in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time around the table.

Cooking can get messy (my kitchen often does!), but that’s where the magic happens. This One-Pan Hawaiian Meatballs and Rice is perfect for busy nights, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants big flavor without stress. It’s sweet, savory, cozy, and playful just like cooking should be. I truly believe meals like this help us slow down, share stories, and make memories, especially with the women we love gathered close 💛

Ingredients

🛒 Ingredients Table

🛒 Ingredients	Quantity
Ground beef (or turkey)	1 lb
Cooked rice (or uncooked long-grain)	2 cups
Pineapple chunks (canned, drained)	1 cup
Bell peppers (red & green)	1 cup, chopped
Onion	1 small, diced
Garlic	3 cloves, minced
Soy sauce	¼ cup
Brown sugar	3 tbsp
Ketchup	⅓ cup
Rice vinegar	2 tbsp
Ginger (fresh or powder)	1 tsp
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Salt & pepper	To taste
Green onions (optional)	For garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

👩‍🍳 Instructions Table

👩‍🍳 Step	Instructions
1	In a bowl, mix ground meat, salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger. Roll into small meatballs.
2	Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides.
3	Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion and bell peppers until soft.
4	Stir in soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Let it simmer gently.
5	Add pineapple chunks and rice, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
6	Nestle meatballs back into the pan. Cover and cook until rice is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
7	Fluff rice gently, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.

⏱️ Time Table

⏱️ Time	Duration
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

📝 Notes Table

📝 Notes	Tips
Meat	Ground turkey or chicken works great
Rice	Jasmine rice adds extra aroma
Sauce	Add chili flakes for heat
Storage	Keeps well refrigerated for 3 days

Serving Suggestions

I love serving One-Pan Hawaiian Meatballs and Rice straight from the skillet it feels rustic and inviting. Add a simple cucumber salad on the side, or steamed broccoli for freshness. For gatherings, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra pineapple on top for a beautiful presentation.

This dish is also perfect for meal prep. I often pack leftovers for lunch, and the flavors get even better the next day. Pair it with iced tea or sparkling water with lime for a relaxed, island-inspired dinner vibe 🌴

Recipe Card