Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly saucy, these Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are a set-it-and-forget-it favorite that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. Made with juicy meatballs simmered in a tropical pineapple glaze, this dish delivers big island flavor with minimal effort—your slow cooker does all the work!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Slow Cooking – Toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook.
Sweet & Savory – A perfect balance of pineapple, soy sauce, and garlic.
Crowd-Pleaser – Great as an appetizer or main dish.
Versatile – Use homemade or frozen meatballs, and serve over rice, noodles, or as sliders.
Freezer-Friendly – Easy to prep ahead and store for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef or chicken)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)

Optional Garnish & Serving Ideas:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Steamed white or jasmine rice
• Hawaiian rolls for sliders

Tools You’ll Need

• 4- to 6-quart crockpot
• Mixing spoon
• Small bowl (for slurry, if using)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
Pour in pineapple chunks and juice, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
Add chopped bell peppers if using for extra flavor and color.

Step 2: Cook on Low or High
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker glaze:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry.
Stir into the sauce during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. Let simmer until thickened.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve hot over steamed rice, as sliders in Hawaiian rolls, or with toothpicks as an appetizer.

Tips for Best Results
Use Fully Cooked Meatballs – Frozen or homemade, just make sure they’re pre-cooked.
Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice – It’s essential for that sweet, tangy sauce.
Add Veggies – Bell peppers, carrots, or even snow peas can cook right in with the meatballs.
Double for a Crowd – Easily scale up for parties and gatherings.
Make Ahead – Assemble ingredients in a freezer bag and freeze. Thaw overnight and dump into the crockpot when ready.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Rice – A classic pairing that soaks up the sweet sauce.
Fried Rice – For a more flavorful and complete meal.
Cauliflower Rice – A lighter low-carb alternative.
Hawaiian Rolls – Turn them into sweet-and-savory meatball sliders.
Grilled Pineapple – For a tropical twist and extra sweetness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between.
Stovetop: Simmer gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Crockpot: Reheat on LOW for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade meatballs?
   Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the crockpot.
2. Can I use fresh pineapple?
   You can, but add about ½ cup of water or pineapple juice to make up for the canned juice.
3. Is this dish spicy?
   No, it’s sweet and savory. Add sriracha or red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free meatballs, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce.
5. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
   Yes. Simmer everything in a large skillet over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, until thick and heated through.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are a flavorful, low-effort dish that brings a touch of the tropics to your table. With their sweet and savory glaze, tender texture, and versatile serving options, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite in your dinner or party rotation.

Whip up a batch and let your slow cooker do the work—just don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
Cuisine: American–Hawaiian Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 790mg

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