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Easy Pineapple-Glazed Meatballs

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Today’s recipe for pineapple-glazed meatballs is a speedy stove top meal that only takes 4 ingredients! The main ingredient being fully cooked meatballs.

I love to get fully-cooked meatballs when they go on sale. Then, I keep them on hand for quick meals like this. When they go on sale, you can get them for the same price of ground beef in the meat department. The same price without all the work of making the meatballs myself! 

close up of pineapple glazed meatballs serves over rice

These pineapple-glazed meatballs can also become an appetizer. Just cut the barbecue sauce and pineapple in half and forgo the rice.

My daughter loves meatballs, and this is one of her favorite ways for me to make them. I love how quick and easy this 4 ingredient meal comes together.

ingredients for meatball recipe in a skillet
  • BARBECUE SAUCE
  • CRUSHED PINEAPPLE
  • FULLY COOKED FROZEN MEATBALLS
  • COOKED RICE
meatballs with sauce in a skillet

It all starts in a skillet. Add the barbecue sauce and crushed pineapple together and stir until combined. No need to drain the pineapple juice. Add the frozen meatballs to the mixture and stir until coated.

Bring it all to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.

Allow to simmer in the pan for 10 minutes. This will warm up the frozen meatballs and thicken the sauce. Then, serve over a bowl of cooked rice.

meatballs over rice with ingredients in the background

Can I make these meatballs spicy?
Yes, you can add some heat to the meatballs by incorporating red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce into the glaze. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.

What can I serve with pineapple-glazed meatballs?
Pineapple-glazed meatballs are delicious served over cooked rice as a main dish. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking. Consider pairing them with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use your own homemade meatball recipe instead of frozen ones. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the pineapple glaze.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple for the glaze?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple in place of canned pineapple for the glaze. Cut the fresh pineapple into small pieces until it’s like crushed pineapple, then use it in the recipe as instructed.

Pineapple-glazed meatballs finished with ingredients in background

Pineapple-Glazed Meatballs

Real Mom Kitchen

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer and Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 -6 servings
Calories 662 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple in juice undrained
  • 1 16 oz pkg fully cooked frozen meatballs
  • 4 cups cooked rice

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet combine the barbecue sauce and pineapple together.  Add meatballs and stir until coated.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.  Serve over rice.  Serves 4-6.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 662kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 802mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg
Keyword appetizer, frozen meatballs, meatballs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recipe adapted from Kraft’s Food and Family magazine.

5 from 1 vote

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Recipe Rating




One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Was looking for something to do with freezer-burned frozen meatballs. This was perfect. Prep time was about 3 minutes, most of which was knocking the ice crystals off the meatballs. Cooked them for about 2 hours in the crockpot and my husband devoured them. Sauce is tangy sweet and sour. Who would have guessed? A hit!