Pineapple Meatballs
Sweet and savory pineapple meatballs feature tangy sauce and juicy pineapple chunks, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make meatballs from ground beef, cracker crumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, ginger, and milk.
- Cook the meatballs in a skillet or microwave until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and brown sugar to create the thickening agent.
- Combine pineapple juice, vinegar, and soy sauce in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and cook until thickened and boiling.
- Add cooked meatballs and pineapple chunks to the sauce, stirring to coat. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or crushed red pepper to the meatball mixture. If you don't have cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs work well as a substitute. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pineapple meatballs over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. They also pair well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving them as Yummy Appetizers at your next gathering, skewered with toothpicks for easy eating.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave the meatballs on medium heat until warmed through, or place them in a skillet with a splash of water to steam and heat evenly. This helps maintain moisture in the meatballs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Meatballs contains roughly 1006 calories, with 18g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2412mg per serving (105% 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 prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cook them fresh when you're ready to serve, or freeze them raw and cook directly from the freezer when needed.
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).