Hawaiian meatballs are tender meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. Turn this simple crock pot recipe into a delicious main dish or a perfect appetizer for parties!
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About this Pineapple Meatball Recipe
I’m building up quite the arsenal of meatball recipes and I can’t decide which one is my favorite! There are Thai meatballs, sweet and sour meatballs, tikka masala meatballs, and buffalo chicken meatballs to name a few.
I can’t seem to run out of reasons to make them and this Hawaiian meatballs recipe is my most recent obsession! Juicy meatballs smothered in a pineapple and bbq sauce with chunks of bell peppers and onions, is a dump-and-go recipe all slow-cooked until meatballs are nice and tender.
I love to make this recipe as an appetizer for potlucks and parties, but I’ve also served them over rice for an easy weeknight dinner or a quick meal for the weekend.
Whether you use homemade meatballs or save time by using store-bought cocktail meatballs and veggies, they’re still going to be sweet, tangy, and incredibly addicting!
Hawaiian Meatball Ingredients Notes
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
- Meatballs: I use a bag or frozen meatballs to make these as quick and easy as possible. (I always have meatballs from Costco on hand in my freezer)! You can certainly use homemade meatballs that have been cooked and frozen too! If using fresh meatballs, I would sear them first so they don’t fall apart.
- Pineapple chunks: Canned pineapple chunks, drained. If you want to use fresh pineapple go ahead, just make sure it’s ripe and sweet. You can also use crushed pineapple for a thicker sauce.
- Peppers and onions: I toss the frozen mix of pepper and onions, again to make life easier!
- For the sauce: You’ll need BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Sliced scallions: An optional garnish.
Variations
1. Use any type of meatballs for this recipe. Ground beef meatballs, Italian meatballs, Swedish meatballs, a mixture of pork and beef, turkey meatballs, chicken meatballs, you name it!
2. Use your favorite barbecue sauce. I wouldn’t go too smoky though, it may overpower the other flavors.
3. Make them spicy Hawaiian meatballs by adding a ¼-1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha sauce or another favorite hot sauce.
4. Make them saucier by doubling the ingredients and pouring in as much as you need. You can always save the extra sauce for later.
How to Make This Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe
This may be the easiest meatball recipe to ever hit your dinner table! Let me show you how it’s done.
Step 1: Add meatballs, pineapple, and veggies to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl, whisk to combine, and pour it overtop of the meatballs.
Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Serve as an appetizer or serve it over rice (white, brown or this coconut rice.) Garnish with green onions if you’d like.
Tips
- Toss the meatballs in frozen. No need to thaw them first.
- If using your own homemade meatballs, be sure to sear them first to ensure they brown evenly.
- Once they’re finished cooking, keep the slow cooker on the warm function to keep the meatballs warm for as long as people are helping themselves.
- To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry of one tablespoon corn starch mixed with one tablespoon of cold water and stir it in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Keep these meatballs stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. They make a quick snack as much as they do a meal.
Freeze: Making a double batch and freezing for later is nice so you can just reheat and serve on a busy night! Once completely cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container and keep them frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: You can reheat leftover meatballs in the crockpot, the stovetop, or the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up.
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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Ingredients
- 3 pounds meatballs frozen
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks 1 can, drained
- 2 cups peppers and onions frozen
- 2 cups bbq sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon scallions sliced (for optional garnish
Instructions
- Add the meatballs, pineapple chunks, peppers and onions to bottom of your slow cooker.3 pounds meatballs, 20 ounces pineapple chunks, 2 cups peppers and onions
- In a medium bowl, add the bbq sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar and minced garlic.2 cups bbq sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup white vinegar, 3 cloves garlic
- Pour the sauce over over top and gently stir to coat the meatballs and veggies well.
- Place the lid on and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.
- Garnish with the sliced scallions if desired.2 tablespoon scallions
Notes
Nutrition
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