Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

These Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are a sweet and savory slow-cooker sensation you’ll want on repeat! Juicy meatballs simmered in a tropical pineapple glaze make for the ultimate easy dinner or crowd-pleasing party appetizer. With just a few ingredients and your crockpot doing all the work, this dish delivers bold island-inspired flavor without the fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Tangy Flavor – Pineapple, BBQ sauce, and savory spices combine beautifully.
Effortless Cooking – Let your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or in sliders.
Perfect for Parties – Makes a big batch and keeps warm in the crockpot.
Kid-Friendly – Mild, flavorful, and bite-sized.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Optional Garnishes & Serving Ideas:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
• Hawaiian rolls for sliders

Tools You’ll Need

• 4–6 quart slow cooker
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place frozen meatballs into the crockpot.
Add pineapple chunks with juice, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
If using, stir in diced red and green bell peppers for added flavor and color.

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

Step 3: Stir & Serve
Stir well before serving to ensure the sauce coats all the meatballs evenly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot over rice or tucked into Hawaiian rolls for a tropical meatball slider.

Tips for Best Results
Use Fully Cooked Frozen Meatballs – They hold their shape and cook evenly.
Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice – It adds natural sweetness and balances the sauce.
Customize the Sauce – Want a kick? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Make It a Meal – Add extra veggies like carrots or snap peas for a more filling dish.
Keep Warm for Parties – Leave on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours for easy serving.

Serving Suggestions
Over Steamed Rice – A classic pairing that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
In Hawaiian Rolls – Perfect for handheld sliders at a game day or luau-themed party.
With Stir-Fried Veggies – Add a fresh and crunchy element.
On Toothpicks – Ideal for serving as an appetizer.
With Fried Rice or Noodles – A fun twist for a more complete meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Simmer gently over low heat until warmed through, 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! Make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Absolutely. Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños.
3. Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
   Nope—just toss them in frozen and let the slow cooker do the rest.
4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Yes! Combine all ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free meatballs, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce for a fully gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are a stress-free way to bring big flavor to the table. Whether you’re looking for a festive appetizer or a hearty family dinner, these sweet and savory bites are guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them over rice, load them into rolls, or enjoy them solo—they’re versatile, tasty, and always satisfying.

Make a batch and bring some tropical comfort to your next meal!

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: 34g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 790mg

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