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Tender homemade meatballs with pineapple chunks in sweet chili sauce ready to serve
Isaac blogger

Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs

Tender homemade meatballs coated in a sweet chili pineapple sauce that balances sweet, savory, and mild heat. Perfect for appetizers, dinners, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Sauce
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredient temperature. Always cook meatballs until they reach a safe internal temperature.
  3. Mix the Meatball Mixture
  4. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  6. Wash hands and utensils after handling raw meat.
  7. Shape Meatballs
  8. Roll mixture into evenly sized 1-inch balls so they cook at the same rate.
  9. Cook the Meatballs
  10. Oven Method
  11. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
  12. Stovetop Method
  13. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
  14. Safe Doneness:
  15. Meatballs are done when the centers reach
  16. 160°F (71°C) for beef
  17. 165°F (74°C) for poultry versions
  18. Centers should be fully cooked with no pink remaining.
  19. Prepare Sauce
  20. In a saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, pineapple, soy sauce, and vinegar.
  21. Heat on low for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed and smooth.
  22. Combine
  23. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce.
  24. Simmer gently on low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until evenly coated and heated through.
  25. Serve
  26. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with garnishes if desired.

Notes

  • Shape meatballs evenly for consistent and safe cooking.
  • Mix gently to maintain tender texture.
  • Brown in batches to avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking.
  • Cook ground meat to a safe internal temperature (typically 160–165°F / 71–74°C, depending on the meat used).
  • Wash hands and utensils after handling raw meat and eggs.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store airtight up to 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat until hot throughout before serving.