Sweet Glazed Meatballs
Sweet glazed meatballs offer a delightful combination of savory beef and a sticky, sweet pineapple glaze, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon honey ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Add oil to a skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Heat the skillet until very hot.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, shaking the pan to brown all sides.
- In a separate bowl, combine remaining Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, grated ginger, and cornstarch; stir to blend.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and cook, stirring, until the sauce is bubbling, clear, and thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use lean ground beef to keep meatballs tender. If unavailable, ground turkey can be a healthier substitution. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding meatballs to achieve a nice sear. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra flavor. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet glazed meatballs over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties. Pair them with a fresh salad or serve them with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Hash And Egg Brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Glazed Meatballs contains roughly 1307 calories, with 2g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 689mg per serving (30% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can cook them and store them in the fridge or freezer, then reheat when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
If you don't have pineapple juice, orange juice or apple juice can be a suitable substitute. These juices will add a different flavor profile but will still complement the sweetness of the glaze.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make these sweet glazed meatballs gluten-free, simply substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground oats. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
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).