Dinner

Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

BySophie Carsel October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

These Sticky Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are a perfect balance of savory and sweet, featuring tender beef meatballs glazed in a tangy pineapple teriyaki sauce. They’re easy to make and ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

A close-up view of a black bowl filled with about eight round meatballs coated in a shiny dark brown glaze. The meatballs are stacked unevenly, showing their moist and textured surface. They are topped with small sesame seeds sprinkled over them and thin slices of bright green scallions, adding color contrast. The bowl is placed on a blurred white marbled textured surface, softly lit with natural light coming from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, soy sauce, and half of the pineapple juice. Mix well.
Step 3: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them evenly on a baking sheet.
Step 4: In a saucepan, combine the remaining pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 5: Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Step 6: Pour the simmering sauce over the cooked meatballs and add the drained pineapple chunks.
Step 7: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added moisture, mix a beaten egg into the meatball mixture before shaping.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of seven glossy meatballs arranged in a dark bowl, each meatball richly coated in a thick, shiny brown sauce. The meatballs are topped with bright green chopped scallions scattered over their surfaces, and a light sprinkling of pale sesame seeds adds texture and contrast. The bowl is placed on a wooden table, with a softly blurred background enhancing the focus on the meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance. Refrigerate them and reheat with the sauce before serving for best flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have pineapple juice?

If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute with orange juice or a mix of apple juice and a little vinegar for acidity, though the flavor will vary slightly.