Description
These Hawaiian Meatballs are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a tangy BBQ and pineapple sauce with colorful bell peppers. Perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors make this meal ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner served over fluffy rice with a garnish of green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 25 frozen meatballs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1–2 bell peppers, cut into chunks (red and orange preferred)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple chunks (reserve 2–3 tablespoons juice)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
For Serving
- Cooked rice
- Sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet or pan, heat the frozen meatballs over medium heat according to package instructions until they are fully cooked and heated through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, combine BBQ sauce, pineapple juice (reserved from the can), and ground ginger in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly for balanced flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Pineapple: Add the bell pepper chunks and pineapple chunks along with their juice into the skillet with the cooked meatballs.
- Simmer: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs and vegetables. Stir everything to evenly coat and bring the skillet to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the bell peppers become tender.
- Serve: Spoon the Hawaiian meatballs and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can use any type of meatballs you prefer: beef, pork, turkey, or a vegetarian alternative.
- Adjust the amount of ground ginger to taste or omit if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- Try adding a splash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick.
- If you want a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Serves 4, great for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
