Description

Looking for a sweet and tangy twist on classic meatballs? These Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are a game-changer! Juicy beef meatballs are simmered in a sticky pineapple barbecue sauce that’s bursting with tropical flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or over rice for a complete meal, this recipe is incredibly easy and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup finely chopped onion
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Pineapple Barbecue Sauce:

1½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)

For Garnish & Serving:

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Sliced green onions
Cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles
Pineapple slices (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until everything is well incorporated. Don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Scoop out about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls.
Place them on a plate or tray. You should get about 20-24 small meatballs.

Step 3: Optional – Brown the Meatballs
For extra flavor and to help them hold their shape, you can lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet or bake them at 400°F for 10 minutes.
This step is optional but recommended for firmer meatballs.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks (with juice), soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and chili flakes.
Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed.

Step 5: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Pour the pineapple barbecue sauce evenly over the top.
Gently stir to coat all the meatballs in sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating.
The sauce will thicken and become glossy as it cooks.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is thick and sticky, turn off the slow cooker.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and green onions for freshness.
Serve over rice or noodles, or place on a platter with toothpicks for a delicious appetizer.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and onion add much more flavor than powdered alternatives.
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to avoid dense meatballs.
Adjust Sauce to Taste – Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang.
Make Ahead – You can prep the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Freeze for Later – Freeze uncooked meatballs or leftover cooked ones for a quick future meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker on low)
Cuisine: American