Polynesian Meatballs Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
🥘 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🥣 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: Varies
Description:
These Polynesian meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these meatballs are simple to prepare and bursting with tropical goodness. Originating from a cherished church cookbook, this recipe has been adapted for oven cooking, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean hamburger
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 green pepper, diced
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine lean hamburger, basil, pepper, salt, and pineapple tidbits. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. |
| 2 | Brown Meatballs: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside. |
| 3 | Prepare Sauce: In a casserole dish, combine brown sugar, diced green pepper, and any remaining pineapple tidbits. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients. |
| 4 | Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the browned meatballs to the casserole dish, nestling them into the sauce mixture. Ensure the meatballs are coated with the sauce. |
| 5 | Bake: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are thoroughly cooked. |
| 6 | Serve: Once cooked, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Serve the Polynesian meatballs hot over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to complement the dish. Enjoy your taste of the tropics! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 273.5
- Total Fat: 3.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 16.2mg
- Sodium: 806.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 53.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugars: 35.1g
- Protein: 9g
Recipe Notes:
- For a convenient meal prep option, consider making a large batch of meatballs and freezing them for later use. Simply prepare the sauce, add the frozen meatballs, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve these Polynesian meatballs as an appetizer for parties or as a main course for a memorable family dinner. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
