Polynesian Meat Balls
A flavorful blend of sweet pineapple and savory beef, these Polynesian meatballs are perfect for entertaining or family dinners, offering a delightful tropical twist.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 8 oz. can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 can beef bouillon or 2 cubes and approximately 1/3 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, egg, soy sauce, and milk.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet and drain excess fat.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to the meatball mixture. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also experiment with different breadcrumbs, such as panko, for a crunchier texture. Make sure to keep an eye on the meatballs while browning to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Polynesian meatballs over a bed of rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Instant Luau Leaf for a tropical touch. You can also offer a dipping sauce on the side, such as sweet chili sauce, to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polynesian Meat Balls contains roughly 955 calories, with 12g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. 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 these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake in a preheated oven or simmer in sauce until heated through.
What can I use instead of crushed pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can use diced pineapple or even pineapple juice for a similar flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cornstarch accordingly, as the juice may need additional thickening. Alternatively, mango or peach can also add a sweet and fruity twist.
How can I make these meatballs spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce or sriracha with the other wet ingredients. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
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).