– **Title**: Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey (if using), and pineapple chunks. Heat over medium heat until simmering.
6. Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the BBQ sauce and pineapple. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
7. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef/Turkey: Ground beef gives these meatballs a rich flavor, but feel free to use ground turkey for a leaner option. Other meats like chicken or pork work well, too. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a juicy sweetness, but canned pineapple is just as good when fresh isn’t available. If you’re not a big pineapple fan, you can also use mango or omit the fruit entirely for a more traditional meatball.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together. You can switch to panko for a lighter texture, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Crushed crackers also make a suitable alternative; just adjust the salt as they can be salty themselves.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a nice herby taste, but if you’re not a fan, parsley can be a great substitute. You could even try green onions for a different flavor twist!
BBQ Sauce: Choose a sweet BBQ sauce for the best flavor with pineapple. If you like it spicy, mix in some hot sauce or use a spicy BBQ variety. For a homemade option, blend ketchup with a dash of vinegar and honey.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Moist?
Keeping meatballs moist is important for great taste and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Don’t overmix: When blending the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Use moist ingredients: The pineapple and egg help add moisture. Avoid pressing the meatballs too tight when shaping them, as that can also make them dense.
- Cook gently: Baking at 400°F lets them cook through without drying out. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit while being tossed in the sauce.
- Simmer in sauce: After baking, let the meatballs sit in the BBQ sauce. This adds flavor and moisture to each bite!
How to Make Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably a sweet variety)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the diced pineapple or canned)
For the Coleslaw:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste (for coleslaw)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, making a total of 45 minutes to enjoy delicious Pineapple BBQ Meatballs with coleslaw. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help with easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, diced pineapple, chopped onion, cilantro, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks nice and colorful!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Take a small amount of the meat mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Try to keep them evenly sized for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be browned on the outside and cooked through. You can check one by cutting it in half to ensure there’s no pink inside.
5. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a medium saucepan. Combine the BBQ sauce and pineapple juice over medium heat. Stir everything together and let it heat until it starts to simmer. This will make a tasty sauce for your meatballs!
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once your meatballs are ready, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the BBQ sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them well. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix together!
7. Make the Coleslaw:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the coleslaw is evenly coated. This will add a nice crunch and freshness to your meal!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to plate up! Serve the meatballs on a plate topped with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with some fresh cilantro. Arrange the coleslaw on the side for a refreshing crunch. Enjoy your delicious Pineapple BBQ Meatballs and the cool coleslaw!
### FAQ for Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
Can I Substitute Ground Beef for Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just remember that different meats may have varying cooking times, so check that the meatballs are fully cooked through.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or oats. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use finely grated vegetables like zucchini as a binder!
How to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge and warm them in a saucepan with a bit of BBQ sauce.
Can I Make the Coleslaw in Advance?
Yes, you can make the coleslaw ahead of time! Just combine the ingredients and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
