Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce

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 very first time I tasted Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce, I was standing barefoot in a sunny California kitchen, watching a bubbling slow cooker while friends laughed in the backyard. That sweet-and-savory aroma stopped me mid-sentence. Pineapple, soy sauce, garlic, and tender meatballs all mingling together like they were meant to be best friends forever. I took one bite and instantly understood why this dish shows up at so many American potlucks and family gatherings.

Back in Paris, meatballs were more serious rich sauces, deep flavors, very proper. But Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce felt joyful, playful, and welcoming. They weren’t trying to impress; they were trying to make people happy. And honestly? They succeeded.

This recipe has since become one of my most requested party dishes. I’ve served Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce at game nights, holiday parties, baby showers, and even cozy Sunday dinners. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe. The balance of tangy pineapple, savory soy sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth meatballs is pure magic.

Today, I’m sharing my go-to version easy, comforting, and bursting with island-inspired flavor. Whether you make them for a crowd or just for yourself (no judgment!), these meatballs promise smiles, sticky fingers, and zero leftovers.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• Ground beef (or a beef/pork mix)
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Salt & black pepper
• Milk

For the Pineapple Sauce

• Pineapple chunks (with juice)
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Bell peppers (red and green)
• Onion
• Garlic

This ingredient list is simple, affordable, and pantry-friendly exactly what makes Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce such a beloved recipe.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix — tender meatballs are the goal.

Roll into evenly sized meatballs and place them on a tray.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to cook through yet just get that beautiful golden crust. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Pineapple Sauce

In a saucepan, combine pineapple chunks with juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce. Let it thicken until glossy and irresistible.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Add the browned meatballs, bell peppers, and onion into the sauce. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and coated in sticky pineapple goodness.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible at this point.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Perfect for weeknights, parties, or slow weekends when comfort food is calling.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce are incredibly versatile:

• Serve over fluffy white rice 🍚
• Pair with jasmine or coconut rice for extra island vibes
• Use toothpicks and serve as party appetizers
• Spoon into slider buns for Hawaiian meatball sandwiches
• Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal

I personally love them over rice with extra sauce drizzled on top because life is better with more sauce.

📝 Notes

• Ground turkey works beautifully if you want a lighter option
• Fresh pineapple can be used for extra brightness
• These meatballs freeze wonderfully for meal prep
• Sauce thickens more as it cools

🧾 Recipe Card

🍽️ Nutrition

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 24g

A comforting balance of indulgence and nourishment.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply comforting about recipes like Classic Hawaiian Meatballs with Pineapple Sauce. They remind us that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable. Sweet pineapple, savory sauce, and tender meatballs come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug the kind you remember long after the plates are cleared.

From my French roots to my American kitchen, this recipe represents everything I love about cooking: sharing, joy, and a little sweetness in every bite. I hope it brings the same smiles to your table as it has to mine 💛🍍