Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
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This meal is another easy, throw-and-go slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for busy days. Using frozen meatballs keeps the prep incredibly simple, so all you have to do is add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the work. With just five simple ingredients, these Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs come together with minimal effort while still delivering big, sweet, and tangy flavor. Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, and you’ve got a delicious dinner ready with hardly any time spent in the kitchen.
These Hawaiian meatballs are also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer for parties or gatherings. If you plan to serve them this way, try swapping the pineapple tidbits for pineapple chunks, so they’re easier to pair with the meatballs. Simply place a meatball and a pineapple chunk on a toothpick for a fun, flavorful bite. The combination of the savory meatball, sweet pineapple, and tangy sauce makes them a crowd-pleasing option that’s perfect for potlucks, game days, or holiday parties.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
- BARBECUE SAUCE
- PINEAPPLE TIDBITS IN JUICE (OR CHUNKS FOR APPETIZER)
- GARLIC
- GREEN ONION
- FROZEN MEATBALLS
- WHITE RICE FOR SERVING
Instructions for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Start by adding the barbecue sauce, pineapple, ¼ cup of pineapple juice, garlic, and sliced green onions to the crock-pot. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture creates a sweet and tangy sauce that will coat the meatballs as they cook.
Next, add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the sauce so each meatball is evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and slow cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have had time to blend.
When ready to serve, spoon the meatballs and sauce over a bed of cooked rice for an easy and satisfying main dish. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, simply place the meatballs on a platter and provide toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a fun touch, you can even add a pineapple chunk to each toothpick along with the meatball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work great in this recipe. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker, since the slow cooker mainly heats and flavors the meatballs rather than cooking raw meat.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work. A sweeter barbecue sauce pairs especially well with pineapple, creating that classic sweet-and-tangy Hawaiian flavor. I use Sweet Baby Ray’s.
Can I make these Hawaiian meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. These meatballs reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep or parties. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Simply combine the sauce ingredients in a large skillet or saucepan, add the meatballs, and simmer on low for about 20–25 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors combine.
How do I serve these as a party appetizer?
Serve the meatballs right from the slow cooker on the warm setting or transfer them to a serving dish. Provide toothpicks so guests can easily grab them. Adding a pineapple chunk with each meatball makes a fun presentation.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Since the sauce is a little sticky, a liner can make cleanup much quicker.
- Stir once or twice during cooking if possible. This helps the meatballs stay evenly coated in the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Add extra pineapple for more sweetness. If you love pineapple, feel free to add a little extra to the slow cooker.
- Make it a complete meal. Serve the meatballs over rice with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad.
- Use pineapple chunks for appetizers. Chunks are easier to skewer with meatballs if you’re serving these at a party.
- Keep them warm for gatherings. If serving as an appetizer, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting after cooking so guests can enjoy them throughout the event.
For more Meatball recipes like this, try:
- Italian Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Sweet BBQ Meatloaf Meatballs
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 20 oz can pineapple tidbits or chunks if making it as an appetizer (reserve 1/4 cup of juice)
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 4 green onions chopped
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs about 60 meatballs
- rice for serving
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, add the bbq sauce, pineapple, 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, garlic, and green onion. Mix together to combine.
- Add in the meatballs and stir to coat with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve over rice if serving as a main dish. For an appetizer, serve with toothpicks. Serves 6 as a main dish or 20 as an appetizer (3 per person).
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Easy Family Recipes.
