Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

Sweet, savory, and completely irresistible, these Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it crowd-pleaser. Juicy meatballs slow-cooked in a vibrant pineapple and BBQ sauce make for the perfect appetizer, party snack, or easy weeknight dinner when served over rice. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this tropical-inspired dish brings big flavor with barely any effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking – Let your slow cooker do all the work.
Sweet & Tangy Flavor – A delicious combo of pineapple, BBQ, and spices.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve at potlucks, game days, or family dinners.
Kid-Friendly – Sweet, saucy, and meatball-packed—what’s not to love?
Great for Meal Prep – Makes a big batch and stores well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs (homemade or store-bought):

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

OR use 2 lbs frozen fully cooked meatballs for convenience

For the Hawaiian Sauce:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (honey or original flavor works great)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground ginger

For Garnish & Serving:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli or snow peas

Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot or slow cooker (4–6 quart)
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (if baking homemade meatballs)
• Skillet (optional for browning meatballs)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs (if homemade)
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
Optional: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes or brown in a skillet until lightly crisped.
Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Hawaiian Sauce
In the slow cooker, combine pineapple chunks with juice, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Add chopped red and green bell peppers.
Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add the Meatballs
Place homemade or frozen meatballs into the crockpot and gently stir to coat with the sauce.
Cover with lid.

Step 4: Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
Optional: In the last 30 minutes, mix the cornstarch with water and stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the sauce is thickened and the meatballs are heated through, turn off the slow cooker.
Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Success
Use Frozen Meatballs for Convenience – Saves time and still tastes great.
Pineapple Juice Is Key – Don’t drain the can; the juice adds flavor to the sauce.
Customize Your Sauce – Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Make It Ahead – Cook a day early and reheat on LOW before serving.
Serve as Appetizers – Use toothpicks and keep warm in the crockpot for parties.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine Rice – A classic pairing for soaking up the sauce.
Hawaiian Rolls – Make sliders for a fun twist.
Vegetable Stir-Fry – For a more balanced meal.
Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing alongside the sweetness.
Grilled Pineapple – For even more tropical flair.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot.
Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Slow Cooker: Reheat on LOW for 1–2 hours until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great—just adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, tamari instead of soy sauce, and gluten-free BBQ sauce.
3. Can I make this on the stovetop?
   Absolutely. Simmer meatballs and sauce in a large pot over medium-low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. How do I make it less sweet?
   Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use an unsweetened BBQ sauce.
5. Can I serve it cold?
   While best served warm, these meatballs can be served chilled for potluck-style cold plates.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are a flavor-packed, fuss-free dish that’s perfect for entertaining or easy dinners. With just a few pantry staples and some tropical inspiration, you get tender meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce that everyone will love. Whether served over rice or as party bites, they’re sure to disappear fast.

Make them once and they’ll earn a regular spot in your meal rotation. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your delicious results!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (on LOW)
Cuisine: American-Island Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

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