Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe: Sweet and Savory

Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and tropical flair. Imagine your favorite classic American meatloaf, but brightened with sweet pineapple and a rich, savory island-style glaze that sets it apart. In this article, I’ll guide you through each mouthwatering step-from what makes this Hawaiian twist so special to easy prep tips and tasty pairing ideas. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with something unexpected, this meatloaf never disappoints. But before we dive into the details, let me share the story behind this flavorful island-inspired favorite.

Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe Origins and Personal Story

Why This Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe Hits Home

My love for this Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe started in the most unexpected way—on a family vacation to Oahu. One evening, we skipped the fancy restaurants and joined a backyard cookout hosted by locals. Someone brought a meatloaf that didn’t look like much, but one bite in, I was hooked. Sweet pineapple chunks, tangy glaze, and that familiar, comforting meatloaf texture made it unforgettable. It wasn’t just food-it was a memory. That dish stuck with me long after the sunburn faded.

Back home, I couldn’t shake it. I started experimenting in my own kitchen, trying to recreate that balance of sweet and savory with everyday pantry staples. After a few rounds (and plenty of feedback from family taste testers), this version was born-and now it’s one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something familiar but still exciting.

What Makes a Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe Different

What sets a Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe apart is its unique flavor balance. Regular meatloaf relies on ketchup or tomato sauce, but this one blends pineapple juice and soy sauce for a sweet-salty glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The pineapple doesn’t just sit on top-it’s mixed into the meat, adding juicy pockets of tropical flavor in every bite.

You also get just the right amount of garlic, ginger, and green onions folded in for that island edge. This isn’t a gimmick-it’s a practical, delicious twist on a classic. And like many other easy dinners from Liste Recipes, this one doesn’t need anything fancy to shine.

Whether you serve it with plain rice or grilled vegetables, this dish proves that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s become part of my family’s rotation, right alongside other quick favorites shared in our About Me section.

Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe: Sweet and Savory

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• Author: Abraham
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This hawaii meatloaf recipe blends classic comfort with tropical flavor. Juicy ground beef mixed with crushed pineapple, soy sauce, and aromatic seasonings delivers a deliciously sweet and savory meatloaf with an island-style glaze.

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Ingredients

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For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or mix with ½ lb ground pork)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• For the Glaze:
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice (reserved from can)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, crushed pineapple (with juice), breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in pan.
5. Stir glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
6. Brush half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
8. In the last 10 minutes, brush remaining glaze on top.
9. Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Reserve extra glaze for serving, if desired.
• This meatloaf is excellent with coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled pineapple.
• To prepare ahead, mix and shape the loaf and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Hawaiian Style Meatloaf Ingredients and Prep Tips

Simple Ingredients for Hawaiian Style Meatloaf

Creating a flavorful Hawaiian style meatloaf is surprisingly easy. The magic lies in a few tropical touches added to everyday ingredients. You start with ground beef-though I often mix in ground pork for added richness. Then, come the signature elements: crushed pineapple (with its juice), soy sauce, and a bit of brown sugar to balance the flavors.

You don’t need anything fancy. A few fresh green onions, some garlic and ginger, and you’ve already captured the spirit of the islands. Breadcrumbs and eggs bring it all together, creating a moist, sliceable loaf that still holds its shape beautifully.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the key ingredients and what they bring to the table:

Ingredient & Purpose Table

Time-Saving Prep Tips for hawaii meatloaf recipe

This hawaii meatloaf recipe doesn’t require long hours or complex prep. One of my favorite tricks? Mix the meat, shape it into a loaf, and refrigerate it overnight. This not only saves time but also gives the ingredients time to blend, making the flavors even richer the next day.

Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. While the meatloaf bakes, you can prepare a quick side—steamed jasmine rice or honey-glazed carrots are great choices.

This recipe fits perfectly with the simple, no-fuss approach I use across Liste Recipes. And if you ever want to learn more about my food philosophy, check out the story behind the site on the About Me page.

Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe

Description
This Hawaii Meatloaf blends classic comfort with tropical flavor. Juicy ground beef mixed with crushed pineapple, soy sauce, and aromatic seasonings delivers a deliciously sweet and savory meatloaf with an island-style glaze that’s irresistible for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or mix with ½ lb ground pork)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the glaze:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice (reserved from can)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, crushed pineapple (with juice), breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Press the mixture evenly into your loaf pan.
5. In a small bowl, stir together all glaze ingredients.
6. Spoon half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
8. During the last 10 minutes, brush the remaining glaze over the top for a sticky, caramelized finish.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

How to Bake hawaii meatloaf recipe Just Right

Oven Tips and Temperature for hawaii meatloaf recipe

Getting the baking right is key to a moist, flavorful hawaii meatloaf recipe. The oven should be preheated to 375°F to create even cooking from the start. You’ll want to bake the meatloaf uncovered so the glaze can caramelize rather than steam. Use a standard loaf pan, or shape the mixture into a free-form loaf on a lined baking sheet for a more rustic presentation.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your loaf. Always use a meat thermometer-160°F internal temperature means it’s cooked through without drying out. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute. Skipping this step often leads to crumbling slices.

If you’re planning a full island-inspired meal, slide in a tray of cubed sweet potatoes at the same time-two dishes, one oven, easy cleanup. It’s one of my favorite tricks from Liste Recipes, where practical cooking is always the goal.

How to Make and Use the Hawaiian Glaze

The glaze on a hawaii meatloaf recipe is more than just topping-it’s flavor insurance. The mix of ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a balance that hits every note: tangy, sweet, and salty.

Here’s how to get it just right: apply half the glaze before baking so it bakes into the top and edges. Then, add the rest in the final 10 minutes to get that shiny, sticky finish everyone loves. Don’t add all the glaze at once-it’ll burn before the loaf is cooked through.

For those who like a saucier finish, reserve a little glaze to serve on the side. That’s how I first had it in Hawaii, and I’ve been doing it that way ever since. It makes each slice feel just a little more special-and it’s a tip I’ve shared with readers in everything from casual dinners to family favorites in our Contact section.

Serving hawaii meatloaf recipe and What to Do with Leftovers

Perfect Side Dishes for hawaii meatloaf recipe

When it comes to sides, hawaii meatloaf recipe shines brightest with fresh, vibrant pairings. A simple bowl of white rice is the traditional favorite-it soaks up the glaze perfectly and keeps the meal balanced. Coconut rice is another great option if you want to lean into the tropical vibe.

You can also serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes, grilled pineapple slices, or even a tangy cabbage slaw to add crunch. The sweet-savory profile of the meatloaf welcomes both warm and cool sides, so don’t be afraid to mix textures on the plate.

For a full island-style plate that’s still weeknight-easy, I often add a simple cucumber salad and some quick sautéed greens. You can find more quick side ideas on Liste Recipes and check our Privacy Policy page to see how we keep your recipe browsing secure and simple.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftovers

hawaii meatloaf recipe leftovers are never boring-if anything, they’re better the next day. The glaze soaks into the meat, intensifying the flavor. Here are a few ways I love to use them:

– Slice and pan-fry for meatloaf sandwiches with toasted Hawaiian rolls
– Dice and stir into fried rice for a sweet-savory twist
– Chop into cubes and toss with noodles and soy glaze for a quick stir-fry
– Crumble over a rice bowl with pickled veggies and a fried egg on top

Reheat slices in a skillet with a splash of pineapple juice to bring moisture back. That’s my go-to move when making a leftover lunch that still feels special.

It’s meals like this one-versatile, flavorful, and easy to reinvent-that define my approach to cooking at Liste Recipes. Whether it’s your first time trying something new or a family staple, I’m here to make it easier and more fun.

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Conclusion: Why Hawaii Meatloaf Deserves a Spot on Your Table

The beauty of this Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe is in its simplicity and surprise. It delivers everything you want in a classic meatloaf-comfort, flavor, heartiness-but with an unexpected tropical spin that sets it apart. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable, whether it’s your first try or your new family favorite.

If you love real-life recipes that don’t require fancy tricks or hard-to-find ingredients, you’re in the right place. At Liste Recipes, that’s what we’re all about-good food that fits real schedules, real kitchens, and real lives.

FAQ: Hawaii Meatloaf Recipe