Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Pineapple BBQ Meatballs that combines sweet and savory flavors in a juicy bite-sized treat:

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or a combination)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispness)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pineapple BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 2 tbsp pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Make the Meatballs:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    • Use your hands to mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
    • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray.
  2. Bake the Meatballs:
    • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  3. Make the Pineapple BBQ Sauce:
    • While the meatballs are baking, combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan.
    • Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
    • If you want a smoother sauce, you can blend the pineapple chunks into the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
  4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
    • Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the saucepan with the pineapple BBQ sauce.
    • Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce, and let them simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the Pineapple BBQ Meatballs over rice, as an appetizer, or alongside your favorite sides. Garnish with extra pineapple chunks or fresh cilantro, if desired.

Tips

  • Use a slow cooker: If you prefer a slow-cooked version, combine the cooked meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
  • Make ahead: You can freeze the meatballs (before adding the sauce) for later use. Simply bake and freeze, then reheat with the sauce when ready to serve.
  • Add more flavor: For a smokier BBQ flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce.

These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a weeknight meal!

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