Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the meatballs don't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, diced pineapple, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Step 3: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Once the meatballs are baked, either drizzle the glaze over them on the baking sheet or toss them in the saucepan with the glaze. Ensure the meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce.