Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs: How to Make

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Your Next Party Favorite: Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs!

Ever wish for a dish that just pops with flavor and disappears fast at any gathering? These Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs are exactly that! They take simple meatballs and turn them into something truly special – a perfect mix of savory, tangy, and a little bit spicy. Get ready to impress everyone with how easy and delicious they are!

We’ve found the perfect balance of sweet pineapple and a zesty chili kick. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning dinner, or just want an amazing bite, these meatballs are a winner. Let’s get cooking!

Yields: Varies

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Sweet Chili Pineapple Sauce:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned, drained)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
Optional for Garnish: Fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Making Them Is Easy:

Mix Meatball Goodness: Gently combine ground beef (or your favorite ground meat!), breadcrumbs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, an egg, salt, and pepper. Don’t squish it too much – a light hand makes tender meatballs.
Shape & Cook: Roll the mixture into uniform, 1-inch balls. You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or pan-fry them over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (160°F / 71°C internal temp).
Whip Up the Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together sweet chili sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
Combine & Simmer: Gently add your cooked meatballs to the sauce. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes. This lets them soak up all that amazing flavor.
Serve It Up! These are fantastic on their own with toothpicks, or serve them over fluffy jasmine rice for a meal. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sesame seeds adds a nice touch!

Let’s get those delicious Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs served and stored properly!

How to Serve Your Meatballs:

These versatile meatballs shine in so many ways. They’re perfect for:

Appetizers: Simply arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re a fantastic party appetizer that always gets rave reviews!
Over Rice: Serve them hot over a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all that amazing sweet and savory sauce.
Slider Sandwiches: Tuck them into small slider buns with a little extra sauce for fun, mini meatball subs.
Stir-Fry Addition: Add them to a quick vegetable stir-fry for a more complete meal.¹
Noodle Bowls: Serve over rice noodles or even egg noodles for a satisfying and flavorful bowl.
Potluck Favorite: They travel well and are always a hit at gatherings.

For an extra touch, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions.

Storage & Reheating Tips:

These meatballs are fantastic for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers!

Refrigeration:
- Once completely cooled, transfer any leftover meatballs and sauce into an airtight container.
- Store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs freeze beautifully! Let them cool fully.
- Place the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If stacking, you can use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- From Refrigerator: Gently reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and bubbling. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.
- From Freezer: It’s best to thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, reheat using the stovetop or microwave method. If reheating from frozen directly, you can place them in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth, cover, and gently simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For best texture, avoid blasting them on high heat in the microwave.

Enjoy your fantastic meatballs, fresh or as delicious leftovers!

Quick Bites: Your Top Questions Answered!

What Meat Is Best? Ground beef (around 80/20) is great for juicy meatballs. You can also mix beef and pork for even more flavor.
Can I Make Them Ahead? Yes! Cook the meatballs fully, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently in the oven.
Sauce Too Thin/Thick? If too thin, simmer a bit longer. If too thick, add a tiny splash of water or pineapple juice.
Make Them Spicier? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce (or even in the meatball mix!) will add more kick.
What Sides Go Well? They’re delicious with plain rice, an Asian-inspired slaw, or steamed edamame.

Recipe Card: Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs