Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs
Prep Time:
10 Minutes
Cook Time:
2 - 5 hours
Serves:
4 - 6 Servings
Level:
Easy
About the Recipe
Some nights you just need dinner to take care of itself — and this Crockpot Hawaiian Meatball recipe does exactly that. It's become a newer go-to in our house, and for good reason. Just toss everything in the slow cooker before you head out the door and come home to a meal that smells amazing and tastes even better.
Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, juicy pineapple chunks, and tender meatballs come together in a way that feels a little indulgent for a Wednesday night. It works beautifully with both beef and turkey meatballs — and while you can absolutely make your own meatballs from scratch, why would you? Frozen meatballs are one of the great shortcuts of our time and there is no shame in that.
Serve it over rice and dinner is done. I love Trader Joe's frozen Organic Basmati Rice for extra convenience — because if the crockpot is doing the heavy lifting, the rice should be easy too. And if you happen to have guests coming over? Skip the rice, grab some toothpicks, and watch these disappear as an appetizer before you've even sat down.
Easy, flexible, and genuinely delicious. This one earns its place in the regular rotation.
Ingredients
32-ounce frozen beef or turkey meatballs
20 oz. can pineapple chunks in juice
1 medium red pepper, diced
2 cups barbeque sauce (I suggest sweet & tangy)
3 cloves minced garlic
2 - 3 green onions, chopped
3-4 servings rice
Instructions
Step 1
In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with 1/4 cup of pineapple juice from the can (you can drain the remaining juice from the pineapples), pepper and garlic.
Step 2
Put the frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks into the slow cooker. Drizzle the sauce mixture over them. Stir to make sure everything is evenly covered.
Step 3
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice during the cooking process.
Step 4
Cook your preferred rice (I like Trader Joe's frozen Organic Basmati Rice for convenience).
Step 5
Serve over rice with green onion garnish.
Notes
Sauce consistency - If you find the sauce becoming too thin, leave the lid slightly open during part of the cooking process to help the sauce reduce and thicken.
Serve as an appetizer - Although I enjoy this recipe as a simple main dish, it can effortlessly be transformed into a delicious appetizer for your upcoming gathering. Simply provide toothpicks!
