The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and before we jump into these Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions, let me take you into my kitchen for a moment. I still remember standing on a wooden stool next to my grandmother, watching her roll meatballs by hand, laughing when the sauce bubbled over the pot. Cooking was never rushed in our home it was about connection, stories, and that comforting feeling of being together.
Even now, when I make Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions, I think about how food travels across cultures. This dish isn’t Greek, but it carries the same spirit: sweet, savory, colorful, and joyful. I love how pineapple brings sunshine to the plate, how bell peppers add crunch, and how onions melt into the sauce like a warm hug.
These Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions are perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or when you want something cozy but fun. They’re easy, a little messy (the good kind!), and absolutely crowd-pleasing. I believe food brings people together especially women who share love through cooking and this recipe does exactly that.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients
| 🧺 Ingredient | 📝 Details |
|---|---|
| 🥩 Ground beef | 1 lb (or ground turkey) |
| 🍞 Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| 🥚 Egg | 1 large |
| 🧄 Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| 🧅 Onion | 1 medium, sliced |
| 🫑 Bell peppers | 3 (red, green, yellow), sliced |
| 🍍 Pineapple chunks | 1½ cups (fresh or canned) |
| 🍅 Ketchup | ½ cup |
| 🍯 Brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| 🍶 Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| 🍎 Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| 🌽 Cornstarch | 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp water |
| 🧂 Salt & pepper | To taste |
| 🫒 Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🍳 Instructions
| 🔢 Step | 👩🍳 What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs. |
| 2️⃣ | Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside. |
| 3️⃣ | In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté until slightly tender. |
| 4️⃣ | Add pineapple chunks and stir gently. |
| 5️⃣ | In a bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. Pour into skillet. |
| 6️⃣ | Return meatballs to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes. |
| 7️⃣ | Stir in cornstarch slurry. Cook until sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully. |
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions are incredibly versatile. I often serve them over fluffy white rice, but jasmine or brown rice works too. They’re also delicious with noodles, mashed potatoes, or even tucked into soft slider buns for a fun party bite.
For a lighter option, spoon them over cauliflower rice or serve with a crisp green salad. And if you’re hosting? Keep them warm in a slow cooker trust me, they’ll disappear fast.
Recipe Card
🍍 Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions
⏱️ Time
| ⏰ Prep | 🔥 Cook | ⌛ Total |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 25 min | 40 min |
🛒 Ingredients
| 🧺 Item | 📏 Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Bell peppers | 3 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Pineapple | 1½ cups |
| Ketchup | ½ cup |
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
👩🍳 Instructions
| 🔢 | 🍳 Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mix and roll meatballs |
| 2 | Brown in skillet |
| 3 | Cook peppers & onions |
| 4 | Add sauce & pineapple |
| 5 | Simmer and thicken |
📝 Notes
| 💡 Tip |
|---|
| Swap beef for turkey |
| Add chili flakes for heat |
| Use fresh pineapple for brightness |
🍽️ Nutrition (Approx.)
| 🔍 Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories: 420 |
| Protein: 26g |
| Carbs: 32g |
| Fat: 22g |
Conclusion
Every time I make Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions, my kitchen fills with color, warmth, and that comforting feeling of home even though the flavors take us far from Crete. This dish reminds me why I love cooking: it’s joyful, imperfect, and meant to be shared. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope these meatballs bring a little sunshine to your table and help you create memories worth savoring. 💛
