Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe
These Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs combine savory meatballs with a sweet and tangy pineapple barbecue sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish for any gathering. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they are sure to impress your guests!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 meatballs 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red or green)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, take a small amount (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until all the mixture is formed into meatballs. You should have about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, you can prepare the barbecue sauce.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and honey (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the pineapple slightly with a fork or blend it briefly in a blender before adding it to the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should no longer be pink in the center.
- After the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle when you add them to the sauce.
- Once the meatballs have cooled slightly, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the pineapple barbecue sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated. You can use a spatula or tongs to gently toss them together.
- If you prefer, you can also return the meatballs to the saucepan with the sauce and gently stir to coat them. This will allow the meatballs to absorb more of the sauce’s flavor.
- Let the meatballs sit in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes on low heat, allowing them to soak up the flavors. If you want to serve them immediately, you can skip this step, but I find that it enhances the taste!
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving platter or bowl. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- These pineapple barbecue meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. You can serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a side of steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices and sweetness to your taste.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.