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.
The first time I made Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce, it was for a backyard gathering on a warm summer evening. Someone had music playing softly, kids were running barefoot on the grass, and I wanted a dish that felt fun, comforting, and a little tropical. That sweet pineapple aroma drifting from the oven instantly took me back to vacations by the sea except this time, I was standing in my American kitchen with an apron on and a big smile on my face.
What I love most about Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce is how effortlessly they bring people together. They’re sweet, savory, tangy, and irresistibly sticky in the best possible way. Every bite is juicy, coated in a glossy sauce that clings lovingly to each meatball. Whether you serve Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce as a party appetizer, a family dinner over rice, or even meal-prep for the week, they never fail to disappear fast.
This is one of those recipes that feels nostalgic and exciting at the same time. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and comforting enough to make again and again. Let’s get cozy and cook together. 💛
🛒 Ingredients
For the meatballs and that signature sticky sauce, you’ll need simple pantry staples:
Meatballs
- Ground beef (or ground pork, or a mix)
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
Sticky Hawaiian Sauce
- Pineapple chunks (with juice)
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger (or ground ginger)
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture that’s the secret to tender meatballs.
Roll into evenly sized balls and place them on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 3: Bake
Bake the meatballs for 18–22 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.
Step 4: Prepare the Sticky Sauce
While the meatballs bake, add pineapple (with juice), ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until thick, glossy, and beautifully sticky.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
Add the baked meatballs directly into the sauce and gently toss until every meatball is fully coated. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors marry.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce are incredibly versatile:
- Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Pair with fried rice or lo mein noodles
- Skewer with toothpicks for party appetizers
- Add roasted bell peppers and onions for a full tray-bake meal
- Spoon leftovers into lettuce wraps for a lighter option
They’re sweet enough for kids, bold enough for adults, and perfect for potlucks, game days, or cozy dinners at home.
📋 Recipe Card
| ⏱️ Time | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| 🛒 Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Onion | ½ cup |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 can |
| Ketchup | ½ cup |
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| 👩🍳 Instructions | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mix meatball ingredients and form balls |
| 2 | Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes |
| 3 | Simmer sticky sauce |
| 4 | Toss meatballs in sauce |
| 5 | Serve warm |
| 📝 Notes | |
|---|---|
| Tip | Don’t overmix meatballs |
| Storage | Refrigerate up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Freeze up to 2 months |
| 🍽️ Nutrition | |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 per serving |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fat | 16g |
Conclusion
Every time I make Baked Hawaiian Meatballs in Sticky Sauce, I’m reminded why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. It’s joyful, comforting, and meant to be shared. This dish fills the kitchen with sweet aromas, the table with happy faces, and the heart with warmth.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe wraps you in cozy, tropical comfort. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home just like it is in mine. 💛
Happy cooking,
Lacamorea 🇫🇷🍍