Introduction
If you love sweet and savory food, then Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are going to be your new favorite dish. This recipe mixes juicy meatballs with a tangy pineapple sauce that’s full of flavor. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. Just put everything in a crockpot (also called a slow cooker) and let it cook.
This dish is great for family dinners, parties, or even as a quick appetizer for game nights. The combination of pineapple, bell peppers, and barbecue sauce gives it that tropical taste that makes it stand out. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is actually super easy to make. So, whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a stress-free meal, these Hawaiian meatballs are a winner. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. This recipe serves about 6–8 people.
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds of frozen meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey – your choice)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, with juice
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For Extra Flavor (Optional):
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
Step by Step Process – Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s walk through the steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Plug in your crockpot and spray the inside lightly with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning easier later.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. No need to thaw them — that’s the beauty of this recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks with juice, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
If you’re using bell peppers and onions, toss them in now. They’ll cook down and become soft and flavorful.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot. Make sure they’re all coated with that sweet and tangy goodness.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours, or
- Cook on high for 2–3 hours.
Cooking slowly allows the flavors to soak into the meatballs, making them juicy and delicious.
Step 7: Stir and Serve
Once cooked, give everything a good stir. Serve the Hawaiian meatballs warm, either by themselves or over rice for a full meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugars | 26g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can! If you want, you can make fresh meatballs at home and cook them in the crockpot. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding the sauce so they don’t fall apart.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based or veggie meatballs instead of meat ones. The sauce works perfectly with them.
Q3: What can I serve with Hawaiian meatballs?
These meatballs go great with white rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also serve them with dinner rolls or as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
Q4: Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Put any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just use the microwave or warm them on the stove.
Q5: Can I freeze them for later?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs with sauce. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are proof that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing. With only a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s sweet, savory, and satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family get-togethers, or when you just want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The mix of pineapple, barbecue sauce, and tender meatballs creates a flavor that both kids and adults love.
So, next time you need an easy recipe that’s guaranteed to impress, give these Hawaiian meatballs a try. You’ll enjoy the tropical twist, and your family will be asking for seconds!
