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Hawaiian Meatballs
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YaYa's Hawaiian Meatballs

Servings 30 Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 1 20 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  • Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, garlic powder, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix until just combined (do not overmix).
  • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Place the meatballs in a single layer in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  • Add the drained pineapple chunks to the sauce and stir to combine.
  • Pour the sauce over the cooked meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the meatballs to absorb the sauce.
  • Serve the Hawaiian meatballs hot, either on their own, over rice, or on skewers as appetizers.