Crock pot pineapple meatballs are a simple, delicious recipe that the whole family will love. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-mouthwatering, these meatballs will become a family favorite in your kitchen.
The beauty of this dish is that it requires minimal effort – perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re juggling a million tasks. Serve the meatballs over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty, inexpensive dinner that tastes amazing.
Using the slow cooker means all you need to do is throw the ingredients in, stir, and wait. And the waiting is the hardest part, especially once the heavenly aroma of these pineapple meatballs starts wafting through your house.
In this blog post, I will guide you through the process. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the ingredients you’ll need to the perfect slow-cooker setting. Even if you are a beginner cook, you can master this simple recipe.
Are you looking for more meatball recipes? Try meatball crescent rolls, air fryer turkey meatballs, Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs, and meatball soup.
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🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity.
- Meatballs: I’m all about convenience for this recipe, so I’m using frozen meatballs. Store-bought or homemade meatballs all work well.
- Pineapple
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce. There is no need for anything fancy.
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Green onions
🥣How to Make Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs
- Add your meatballs, pineapple chunks, peppers, and onions to an 8-quart slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic.
- Pour your sauce over the meatballs and veggies, giving everything a gentle stir to make sure that every meatball gets a nice coating of that delicious sauce.
- Put the lid on and set your slow cooker to high. You’re looking at about 2 to 3 hours of cooking time.
- Sprinkle your cooked meatballs with green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish.
🍴Serving Ideas
These meatballs have chunks of pineapple and a subtle Hawaiian flavor and make a great weeknight dinner over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The tangy sauce also goes perfectly with buttery noodles or a mound of creamy mashed potatoes.
You can also throw them in a sub roll for a quick, delicious meatball sub that is a little bit sweet. Or serve these saucy meatballs at parties. They make a perfect appetizer for a hearty game-day snack.
💭Storing Your Slow Cooker Meatballs
Transfer any leftover meatballs into an airtight container. They keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
This recipe makes a lot of meatballs, so you might end up with enough leftovers to feed an army. No worries! Freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to defrost them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
You can pop them in the microwave for a few minutes. Or, you can warm them up on the stovetop. Just heat them slowly over a low heat to maintain their juicy goodness.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- You shouldn’t cook these on low if you are using frozen meatballs. Stick with high so the frozen meatballs get warmed up fast to avoid food safety concerns.
- If you like extra saucy meatballs then don’t drain the can of pineapple chunks before adding it.
- Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you want to make it a bit spicy.
- You don’t have to use beef meatballs. Use turkey, chicken, pork, or meat substitutes.
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Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 can pineapple chunks 20 ounces, drained
- 1 cups bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup onion sliced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions diced
Instructions
- Add the meatballs, pineapple chunks, peppers, and onions to an 8-quart slow cooker.3 pounds frozen meatballs, 1 can pineapple chunks, 1 cups bell pepper, 1 cup onion
- Mix the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic in a medium bowl.2 cups BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 cloves garlic
- Pour all over the top of the meatballs and gently mix to coat everything.
- Place the lid back on and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.2 green onions
Notes
- Use frozen meatballs that were cooked before freezing.
- If you want your dish to be saucier don’t drain the pineapple chunks.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- You don’t have to use beef meatballs. Use turkey, chicken, pork, or meat substitutes.
- Want it spicy? Add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes.
- You can use fresh or frozen peppers and onions to make it even easier.
- I don’t recommend cooking this on low since the meatballs are frozen.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.