Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions

The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

I still remember the first time I made Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions for friends on a warm summer evening. We had music playing, windows open, and the kitchen smelled like pineapple, garlic, and caramelized onions. It felt joyful and a little nostalgic, like a vacation you didn’t have to pack for. That sweet-and-savory combo instantly won everyone over, and I knew this dish would become a forever favorite.

What I adore most about Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions is how effortlessly it balances comfort and freshness. Juicy meatballs soak up a glossy, tangy sauce while bell peppers add crunch and onions melt into sweetness. It’s colorful, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I’ve made this recipe countless times, tweaking it until it felt just right bold but cozy, simple yet exciting.

If you’re craving something that feels fun, filling, and a little tropical without being complicated, this Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions recipe is calling your name. Let’s cook together and bring those sunny island flavors straight to your table. 🌴🍍

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vibrant, flavor-packed dish. Most ingredients are pantry staples, which makes this recipe even better.

For the Meatballs

• Ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Olive oil (for browning)

For the Hawaiian Sauce

• Pineapple chunks (with juice)
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Water

For the Veggies

• Red bell pepper, sliced
• Green bell pepper, sliced
• Yellow bell pepper, sliced
• Yellow onion, thickly sliced

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix that’s the secret to tender meatballs. Roll into evenly sized balls.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions. Sauté until slightly softened but still crisp. This keeps their color bright and texture perfect.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the veggies and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add meatballs and pineapple chunks back into the skillet. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked through. Stir gently to coat everything in that irresistible glaze.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Perfect for weeknights when you want something special without stress.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. I love serving Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions over fluffy white rice so the sauce soaks into every grain. Jasmine rice is especially lovely here. 🍚

For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or serve it with steamed broccoli. If you’re hosting, toothpicks turn these meatballs into an irresistible appetizer. They’re also amazing tucked into sandwich rolls for sweet-and-savory sliders.

📝 Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Fresh pineapple works beautifully if you have it on hand.
• Like heat? Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

📋 Recipe Card

🍽️ Nutrition

This dish offers a satisfying balance of protein, veggies, and carbs. Bell peppers provide vitamin C, pineapple adds natural sweetness, and the meatballs keep you full and happy. Everything in moderation and enjoyed with joy. 💛

Conclusion

Every time I make Hawaiian Meatballs with Bell Peppers and Onions, I’m reminded why food has the power to transport us. One bite, and suddenly you’re somewhere sunny, relaxed, and smiling. This recipe is proof that comfort food can still feel fresh and exciting.

I hope this dish brings warmth to your table, laughter to your kitchen, and maybe even becomes one of those recipes you come back to again and again. From my French-American heart to yours bon appétit, my friends! 🌺🍍