Hawaiian Meatballs(Microwave)
Hawaiian Meatballs offer a delightful blend of savory beef, sweet pineapple, and tangy flavors, perfect for quick family meals or casual gatherings. They are easy to prepare and full of tropical flair.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/3 c. water
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix beef, eggs, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, chopped onion, pepper, nutmeg, salt, garlic salt, and cracker crumbs in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in a 4-quart shallow microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on High for 10 minutes, rearranging once during cooking.
- Drain the juices from the dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh garlic and herbs in the meatball mixture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Adjust the sweetness by reducing brown sugar or using honey. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation, which pairs beautifully with Cornish Pastry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian meatballs over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair them with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. They also make a great appetizer for gatherings. Consider serving alongside Dublin Potato Salad for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hawaiian meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispy texture, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid freezing due to the texture changes in the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Meatballs(Microwave) contains roughly 463 calories, with 12g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (211% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. 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 use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each option will provide a different flavor and texture. Ground turkey or chicken will create a lighter meatball, while ground pork adds a rich taste. Just ensure to adjust cooking times if needed.
What can I serve with Hawaiian meatballs?
Hawaiian meatballs are versatile and pair well with rice, quinoa, or even noodles. For a balanced meal, serve them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You could also enjoy them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while heating. Allow it to simmer until thickened. Alternatively, let it reduce on the stove for a more concentrated flavor. Adjust to your desired consistency.
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).