Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly blends sweet and savory: Spicy Pineapple Barbecue Turkey Meatballs! These juicy meatballs are not only packed with flavor but also offer a delightful twist that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to elevate your dinner game and impress everyone at the table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup pineapple, crushed
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, crushed pineapple, 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Using clean hands, roll the meat mixture into uniform meatballs approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 16-20 meatballs depending on size.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the turkey is fully cooked.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the meatballs to create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps maintain moisture.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, alongside rice or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Mix Well: Ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined when mixing the meatball mixture. This helps in achieving a uniform flavor and texture.
- Uniform Size: Roll the meatballs to about
- 5 inches in diameter for even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve consistency in size.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When placing meatballs on the baking sheet, make sure they’re spaced apart. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures they cook evenly.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Glaze for Extra Flavor: Brushing on barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of baking not only adds flavor but also gives the meatballs a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist and delicious.
- Serve Creatively: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them on skewers, in a sandwich, or over a bed of rice or salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
