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Understanding the allure of sweet and savory flavors, the Tropical Twist Pineapple BBQ Meatballs recipe is a delightful dish that brings a burst of sunshine to your dinner table. Infused with the tropical essence of pineapple and the rich depth of BBQ sauce, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you're looking for a unique addition to your family dinners, a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, or a fun snack for game day, these meatballs are sure to impress. With their vibrant pineapple BBQ sauce, this recipe combines convenience and flavor, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

Discover the delightful Tropical Twist Pineapple BBQ Meatballs, a flavorful dish that combines sweet pineapple with savory BBQ for a unique culinary experience. Perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or elegant appetizers, these meatballs are versatile and easy to make. With their irresistible flavor profile and stunning presentation, you're sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. Get ready to elevate your cooking with this tropical twist on a classic favorite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Pineapple BBQ Sauce:

1 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey with seasoned breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir the mixture gently until everything is thoroughly combined, ensuring not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

      Shape the Meatballs: With clean hands, portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. You should be able to make approximately 20 meatballs.

        Bake the Meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are nicely browned and cooked through. To check, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

          Create the BBQ Sauce: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle simmer.

            Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, slowly add the cornstarch mixed with water, stirring continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

              Combine Meatballs and Sauce: As soon as the meatballs are baked, transfer them from the oven to the saucepan with the pineapple BBQ sauce. Carefully toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are fully coated in the delicious glaze.

                Serve: Serve the Pineapple BBQ Meatballs warm over fluffy rice, inside a hearty sandwich, or as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks. For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped green onions or vibrant chunks of fresh pineapple for color and a burst of flavor.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4-6 servings