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Flavorful BBQ Glazed Meatballs with Pineapple

BBQ glazed meatballs with pineapple - featured image

Sweet and smoky BBQ glazed meatballs combined with caramelized pineapple chunks create a juicy, flavorful party favorite that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, Panko preferred)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, about 20-24 meatballs. Place evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes until they start to brown and firm up.
  5. While baking, prepare the BBQ glaze by stirring together barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and optional chili powder in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir pineapple chunks into the glaze and cook for another 2-3 minutes to caramelize slightly.
  7. Remove meatballs from oven and generously coat each with the BBQ pineapple glaze.
  8. Return glazed meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the glaze thickens and sticks.
  9. Let meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Use fresh pineapple for best caramelization. Tent meatballs with foil if browning too quickly. Adjust glaze simmer time to achieve desired thickness. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour can be used for gluten-free diets. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ meatballs, pineapple meatballs, party food, easy appetizer, sweet and savory, finger food, potluck recipe