Hawaiian Meatballs
Talk about one easy dish that creates an amazing sweet and sour sauce! You can serve over rice for more of a dinner-like option, but I also like to offer them as an appetizer simply served with toothpicks.
Talk about one easy dish that creates an amazing sweet and sour sauce! You can serve over rice for more of a dinner-like option, but I also like to offer them as an appetizer simply served with toothpicks.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- hot cooked rice optional
- 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks undrained
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen fully cooked homestyle meatbal
- 2 medium green peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries drained
- Carbohydrate 15.3590812523849 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.00100000000127419 g
- Fiber 0.0179999995460983 g
- Protein 0.0217000000066258 g
- Saturated Fat 0.000180000000229354 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (21g)
- Sodium 13.4890299484633 mg
- Sugar 15.3410812528388 g
- Trans Fat 5.42101086242752E-20 g
- Calories 61 calories
Step-by-step
- Drain pineapple, reserving juice in a 2-cup measuring cup; add enough water to measure 2 cups.
- In a small saucepan, mix brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar and juice mixture until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened.
- In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine meatballs, peppers, drained pineapple and sauce.
- Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until meatballs are heated through and peppers are tender.
- Stir in cherries; cook, covered, on low 15-30 minutes longer or until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, serve with rice.
Hawaiian Meatballs: A Sweet and Savory Delight
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Hawaiian Meatballs recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a weeknight when time is short. The sweet and sour sauce is the star of the show – tangy, slightly sweet, and irresistibly flavorful. It's the kind of dish that makes everyone happy, from picky eaters to sophisticated palates.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and the occasion. Serve it as a comforting main course over fluffy rice, a perfect weeknight dinner after a long day. Or, if you're hosting a get-together, these meatballs make a fantastic appetizer, served with toothpicks for easy grabbing. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will draw everyone in. I often make a double batch – one for dinner and one for the next day's lunch, saving precious time and ensuring a delicious meal awaits me.
What I love most about this recipe is its forgiving nature. Don't worry about precise measurements; feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. Want more pineapple? Go for it! Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The best part is, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible. The slow cooker is my secret weapon here – it does all the work while I focus on other things. It's hands-off cooking at its finest, and the result is tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a luscious, flavorful sauce.
The ingredients are simple and readily available at most grocery stores. I usually grab a can of pineapple, a bag of frozen meatballs (a real time saver!), some green peppers, and a jar of maraschino cherries. The sauce is equally straightforward, using pantry staples like brown sugar, cornstarch, and cider vinegar. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and sour, creating a balance that keeps everyone coming back for more. The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy vinegar, and savory meatballs is just heavenly.
This recipe has become a staple in my home, a go-to dish when I need a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The compliments always roll in, and the empty dish is the best reward of all. So, give this Hawaiian Meatballs recipe a try – you won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add some veggies: Throw in some chopped onions or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
- Prep ahead: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Slow cooker magic: Let the slow cooker do its thing – the longer it cooks, the more flavorful the meatballs become.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and effortless cooking. It's a reminder that even on the busiest days, we can still enjoy delicious, homemade food that brings joy to our family and friends. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare to be amazed by the sweet and savory magic of Hawaiian Meatballs!
