Elevate dinnertime with these irresistible Pineapple Meatball Skewers! Tender meatballs glazed in a sweet, tangy sauce are skewered with juicy pineapple chunks and cooked on the grill. This kid-friendly 20-minute recipe is perfect for parties, barbecues, or a fun weeknight dinner.
Summertime is meant for grilling! Who doesn't love the simplicity of eating and entertaining outdoors? Our family certainly does! These Hawaiian Meatballs are easy to whip together and throw on the BBQ.
And they're even quick enough for a weeknight meal!
This is one of those recipes the kids actually enjoy helping make. Kids, big or small, can thread some juicy meatballs and sweet pineapple on a skewer. Maybe slurping up a mouthful of pineapple along the way 🙂 These really are the Meatball Skewers for Kids!
Our Grilled Pesto Shrimp or Shrimp Salad are also amazing!! You'll also want to try these Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs!
This Pineapple Meatball Kabob recipe couldn't be easier!
Ingredient Notes
Six ingredients, and you've got yourself a tasty meal that's kid-friendly!
- Meatballs - frozen meatballs work great.
- Fresh Pineapple - cut into chunks.
- Crushed Pineapple - with juice.
- Tomato Paste
- Garlic - fresh minced garlic is best.
- Brown Sugar - dark or light brown sugar.
Let's get started!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1 - Cook Meatballs
Thaw or partially cook the meatballs according to your package instructions. You can use turkey or beef meatballs; both are good. Set aside.
Step 2 - Cut Pineapple
Cut up your fresh pineapple into large chunks.
Get the grill fired up!
Step 3 - Make Sauce
Combine your sauce ingredients: crushed pineapple, tomato paste, garlic, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir frequently and cook until heated through, which usually takes less than five minutes.
Add the meatballs and coat them entirely with sauce.
Step 4 - Make Skewers
Cool the meatballs and thread them and pineapple slices on metal or bamboo skewers. (If using wood skewers, remember to soak it first.) Alternate meatballs with pineapple when putting your skewers together.
Step 5 - Grill
Cook directly on the grill for about 5 minutes on each side to get a delicious-looking sear on the pineapples.
Get ready to eat a delicious meal the kids will rave about!
What to Serve With Your Meatballs
We love this Hawaiian Meatball recipe with brown rice, but it's also good with white rice.
You can also place bell peppers and onions on your skewers with the meatballs and pineapples.
Tips & Tricks
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Your choice, turkey or beef meatballs, work with this recipe. We love Pineapple Turkey Meatballs to change things up! Just follow the same recipes, but substitute your meat of choice.
- Pineapple Meatball Skewers also make an excellent appetizer for get-togethers! Who doesn't love meat on a stick?!?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make sure you know the tips to keep your meat moist while grilling.
Items Used to Make This Recipe:
Love this Grilled Hawaiian Meatballs recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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Printable Recipe
Easy Grilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers Recipe
Equipment
- BBQ Grill
- skewers
- saucepan
- Spatula or cooking spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound pre-cooked meatballs
- ½ fresh pineapple (cut into sections)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 2 oz. tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (or to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
Instructions
- Thaw or partially cook the meatballs according to package directions so that you will be able to insert a skewer safely. Set aside.
- Combine the crushed pineapple, tomato paste, garlic, and brown sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Cook until hot throughout and fully combined.
- Add in the meatballs and stir to coat completely.
- Let cool if the kids are helping assemble the skewers—alternate meatballs with pineapple. Meanwhile, heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the meatballs and pineapple slices on metal or bamboo skewers. Cook directly on the grill for about 5 minutes on each side to get a delicious-looking sear on the pineapples.
Video
Notes
- MEATBALLS: Turkey, beef, or chicken meatball work in this recipe.
Stacy says
This recipe is so simple and so delicious. We paired it with Jasmine rice and there were no leftovers. We are having it again with friends and we will try fried rice today. Thank you!
Erin Henry says
What a wonderful idea to serve it with rice, Stacy! So glad it was a hit at your house!
Johlene Orton says
Those skewers look D-vine!! Definitely gonna try them out this summer!
Erin says
Sounds good! I think you and family will love them!
Mike says
Wowee, pineapple and meatballs...that sounds like a delicious combination! Darnit, checking my phone again...surely I missed yet another message from you telling me what time dinner was that night! Have a great rest of your weekend, Erin! 🙂
Erin says
Darn it, just missed you! Yeah, the pineapple meatball skewers were wonderful! Such good flavor. I'll put a to-go bag together for you!
Mike says
Thank you so much!! I will look for it! 🙂