Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly tender, these Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy weeknight dinner. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a tropical-inspired pineapple BBQ sauce until glazed to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or prepping a stress-free meal, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set-It-and-Forget-It – Your slow cooker does all the work.
Sweet & Tangy Flavor – Pineapple and barbecue sauce create an irresistible glaze.
Perfect Party Food – Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a filling meal.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Easy to Double – Ideal for potlucks or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs (or use frozen pre-cooked):

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
• 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional for Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart)
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (optional for browning meatballs)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently just until combined—do not overwork.
3. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate or baking sheet.
4. (Optional) Pre-bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes for a firmer texture and extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Add the meatballs to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Top with pineapple chunks.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over everything.
4. Gently stir to coat the meatballs and pineapple.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
2. Stir once halfway through cooking to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks, or spoon over rice for a full meal.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Best Results
Use Pre-Cooked Meatballs – For a faster prep, use your favorite frozen meatballs.
Brown First – Adds a deeper flavor and helps meatballs hold their shape.
Use Good-Quality Barbecue Sauce – It’s the base of the flavor, so pick one you love.
Adjust Sweetness – Add more or less brown sugar to your preference.
Make It Spicy – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Serving Suggestions
Over Steamed Rice – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
As a Slider – Tuck meatballs into Hawaiian rolls for party bites.
With Roasted Veggies – Serve alongside broccoli or bell peppers.
With Mashed Potatoes – For a hearty, comforting meal.
On Skewers – Add a pineapple chunk between meatballs for a fun presentation.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken or turkey meatballs?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey work great and lighten up the dish.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely—just be sure to include about ½ cup of pineapple juice or substitute with orange juice.

3. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and check your BBQ sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

4. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, a squirt of hot sauce, or extra chili flakes.

5. Do the meatballs fall apart in the slow cooker?
Not if they’re formed firmly and optionally browned beforehand. Frozen meatballs also hold up very well.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are the perfect sweet-and-savory dish that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re serving them as finger food or a hearty dinner, they’re full of tropical flair and barbecue goodness in every bite. Add this easy recipe to your meal plan and enjoy the flavorful payoff with almost no effort.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (low)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 19g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 580mg

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