Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite, these Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are a tropical twist on a crowd-pleasing classic. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a pineapple-infused sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, making them the ultimate appetizer or easy weeknight dinner. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen—minimal effort, maximum flavor!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It & Forget It – Perfect for busy days, parties, or easy dinners.
Tropical Flavor – Pineapple, garlic, and soy bring a sweet-savory kick.
Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or stuffed in sliders.
Perfect for Parties – Keeps warm in the crockpot and feeds a crowd.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs (Homemade or Pre-Made):

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger or ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

OR use 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen pre-cooked meatballs for convenience

For the Hawaiian Sauce:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ small onion, chopped (optional)

For Serving:

• Steamed white or jasmine rice
• Chopped green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Large spoon or tongs
• Optional skillet for browning meatballs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs (If Homemade)
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Optional: Brown in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor and texture.

Step 2: Add to Crockpot
Place raw or browned homemade meatballs (or frozen pre-cooked ones) into the crockpot.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple chunks with juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar.
In a separate small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
Add chopped bell peppers and onion (if using).
Stir gently to coat.

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

Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Serve warm over rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Meatballs
Use Pineapple Juice – The juice is key to the sweet and tangy sauce.
Add Cornstarch at the Start – It helps thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Brown First – Browning meatballs adds more flavor but isn’t required.
Adjust Sweetness – Use less sugar if you prefer a more savory version.
Spice It Up – Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Serving Suggestions
These meatballs go great with:

• Steamed rice or coconut rice
• Hawaiian rolls (for sliders!)
• Stir-fried vegetables or grilled pineapple
• Noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce together in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Simmer gently in a pan until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey meatballs?
   Yes! Turkey or chicken meatballs work great and keep it lighter.
2. Do I have to make the meatballs from scratch?
   Not at all. Frozen pre-cooked meatballs work perfectly for busy days.
3. Can I use fresh pineapple?
   Yes—just add ½ cup water or broth if using fresh since there’s no juice.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
   Absolutely. Simmer everything together for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a party or piling them over a bowl of rice for dinner, this tropical-inspired dish is sure to become a new favorite. Minimal prep, bold flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth meatballs—what’s not to love?

Make them today and bring a little island flair to your next meal!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (on low)
Cuisine: American-Island Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 4 Meatballs with Sauce):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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