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If you are looking for a hassle-free appetizer to serve to a crowd, or a simple family meal, these slow cooker Hawaiian meatballs are perfect for any occasion. This dump-and-go recipe takes minutes to prep and is totally hands-off.
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Meatballs and sauce are such a great easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer, and this slow cooker recipe is so easy to make!
Sweet and tangy, frozen meatballs are cooked in the Crockpot with pineapple and BBQ sauce, and results in one tasty bite. Great as an appetizer, or serve them over rice for a tasty family weeknight meal.
Be sure to try my Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam and Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy.
Why you will love this Hawaiian meatballs recipe!
- So easy: Just dump all of your ingredients into the Crockpot and let it do all the hard work! Minimal prep time.
- Great for a crowd: This is a great option if you are hosting a holiday party and they are perfect for game day. Fuss free but totally delicious!
- Simple ingredients: You only need five basic ingredients to make these slow cooker meatballs.
Ingredients
- Meatballs: Use frozen meatballs for the best results. You can use store-bought or homemade.
- Pineapple: Use canned pineapple chunks to create a sweet and sticky sauce.
- BBQ sauce: For a tangy and smokey flavor. Use your favorite brand.
- Ginger and garlic: For an extra boost of flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh chopped chives or green onions just before serving.
- Optional: You can add some chopped red bell pepper and a splash of soy sauce to the sauce.
How to make Hawaiian meatballs
- To the bowl of a crockpot, add frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, minced ginger, and garlic, and whisk well. Pour the sauce over the meatballs then gently toss to coat. Put the lid on the crock pot. Set to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6, or until cooked through.
- When done, sprinkle the Hawaiian meatballs with chopped chives and serve as an appetizer, or over rice as a main dish.
What are the best meatballs to use?
This Hawaiian meatballs recipe uses frozen meatballs. For ease and convenience, grab your favorite meatballs from the store. You can also make these with homemade meatballs like chicken, ground beef, pork, or turkey meatballs, or these paleo meatballs, freeze them ahead of time and then toss them into the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Can you make them on the stovetop or the oven?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can easily make these on the stovetop or the oven. You just have to adjust the cook time accordingly.
Stovetop: Place the ingredients together in a large pot and place the lid on. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally till cooked through. It will take around 20 minutes.
Oven: Bake the meatballs on a baking sheet. Add the remaining ingredients to a saucepan and simmer for about 5 – 10 minutes. Stir in the cooked meatballs and toss to coat with the BBQ and pineapple sauce. Simmer on low for 5 minutes and stir occasionally.
Can you make them ahead of time?
Once your Hawaiian meatballs are cooked, you can keep them warm in the Crockpot for up to 2 hours before serving. If you do have leftovers, they will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop.
How To Serve them
- Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks or on mini sliders
- Main Meal: Over rice, mashed potatoes or on sliders.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Cook the meatballs either on a low or high heat depending on when you want to serve them.
- Make these slow cooker Hawaiian meatballs spicy by adding in some chili flakes or half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Do not thaw the meatballs before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 – 5 days.
More Easy Appetizers
Hawaiian Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs
- 20 oz pineapple chunks
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- To the bowl of a crock pot, add frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, minced ginger and garlic, and whisk well. Pour the sauce over the meatballs then gently toss to coat. Put the lid on the crock pot. Set to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6, or until cooked through.
- When done, sprinkle meatballs with chopped chives and serve as an appetizer or over rice.
Notes
- Cook the meatballs either on a low or high heat depending on when you want to serve them.
- Make these slow cooker Hawaiian meatballs spicy by adding in some chili flakes or half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Do not thaw the meatballs before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 – 5 days.
