Ground Meat Main Dish
Juicy meatballs simmered in a savory pineapple soy sauce glaze, perfect for family dinners or entertaining, blending sweet and savory flavors with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey) ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 small onions, quartered ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 12 cherry tomatoes ⓘ
- cooked rice (1/2 cup per serving) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, and milk.
- Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Shape into 36 meatballs.
- Drain pineapple chunks, reserving the juice.
- In a 12 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, oil, ground ginger, dry mustard, and garlic powder.
- Add the meatballs to the marinade in the dish.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, turning the meatballs once.
- Drain the meatballs from the marinade.
- Serve the meatballs with cooked rice and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can work as a binder. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the marinade. For a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Ensure to mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of warm cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor. Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a colorful, nutritious meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Sandwiches for a fun contrast at a potluck or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam and keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Meat Main Dish contains roughly 2690 calories, with 64g protein, 315g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (172% of the Daily Value), protein (128% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a soy sauce alternative, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Both will provide a similar umami flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Alternatively, cut one open; the meat should be no longer pink, and the juices should run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).