These Pineapple BBQ Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, striking the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Serve them as an impressive party appetizer or as a main course over rice or with a delicious vegetable side dish. I recommend making extra because they will disappear fast!
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I love the strong pineapple flavor in this recipe. It pairs beautifully with the salty and umami soy sauce and the sweetness of the brown sugar. Use your favorite BBQ sauce and watch these precooked meatballs come to life!
If you like pineapple recipes, you will love Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken and Pineapple Soy Glazed Pork Chops.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s inexpensive: These pineapple meatballs are a real treat because they are also budget-friendly. This is one of my favorite appetizer recipes because it won’t break the bank.
- There’s minimal prep: If you want an easy meatball recipe, this one doesn’t get any simpler. It takes about 5 minutes to combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker, and then your work is done!
- They make great leftovers: These meatballs reheat so well, making them great to enjoy again the next day. I love easy leftovers for lunch or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
These are all of the ingredients needed to make this pineapple meatball recipe. The list includes cooked meatballs, BBQ sauce, pineapple, and other common components to spruce up the sauce.
- Meatballs: For convenience, go with frozen precooked meatballs. You don’t even need to thaw them first!
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. I love a classic original because you get plenty of sweetness from the pineapple and brown sugar.
- Pineapple: I add a whole can of pineapple tidbits straight into the slow cooker - juice and all. The pineapple pairs well with the other ingredients to give the sauce an amazing flavor. Plus, I love the texture of the cooked pineapple chunks.
- Soy sauce: This adds savory and salty flavor to the meatballs. I like to use regular, but feel free to use low sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Brown sugar: The subtle molasses and caramel notes of brown sugar add depth that you wouldn’t get from regular granulated sugar. It pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Garlic: To further enhance the sauce, I add some freshly minced garlic cloves. They provide a wonderful sharp flavor and aroma to the recipe!
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Bourbon: Add a splash of bourbon for depth of flavor and to give these meatballs a little extra sweetness.
- Jalapeno: Dice some fresh or pickled jalapenos and add them for a spicy kick. They pair perfectly with pineapple.
- Maple ginger: Swap some of the brown sugar for maple syrup and add some minced ginger for an Asian zing.
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Meatballs
Here are the instructions on how to make these slow-cooker pineapple meatballs. In just two simple steps, these meatballs and the delectable sauce will be ready to enjoy. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray before you get started.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients. Add the meatballs to the bottom of the crockpot. Then, add the remaining ingredients on top. You can stir it or leave it as is.
Step 2: Cook. Cover and cook them for 4 hours on low. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t stir it too often: Leave the lid closed as much as possible to prevent the heat from escaping to ensure the meatballs cook evenly. Stirring them often can also cause them to break and fall apart.
- Use your Instant Pot: Try making this recipe in your Instant Pot. It has a slow cooker setting!
- Don’t overcook the meatballs: Don’t leave these Hawaiian pineapple meatballs in the crockpot for longer than suggested or they can dry out.
If you love easy recipes like this that are tangy and sweet, you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Ham with pineapple glaze.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Place any leftover Hawaiian BBQ meatballs into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also use a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: You can reheat these meatballs in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for 2-3 minutes, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, or for about an hour in a slow cooker on low.
- Make Ahead: Combine all of the ingredients in a separate bowl or the crockpot, and place it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you cook it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these pineapple barbecue meatballs over a tasty rice dish like ginger coconut rice or chicken fried rice.
- Roasted broccoli and carrots are the perfect veggies to pair with the delectable sauce and meatballs.
- If you are looking for more appetizers to serve alongside this one, try these panko coconut shrimp and this salmon pizza.
Recipe FAQs
You can if you need them to be ready faster, but I recommend keeping the crockpot on low to ensure the meatballs stay tender and juicy.
Make a cornstarch slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water (I would start with 1 tablespoon of each) if the sauce is too thin.
Sure, you can use your favorite homemade meatball recipe! Just ensure they are fully cooked before you add them to the slow cooker.
More Delicious Meatball Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Pineapple Meatballs (Crock Pot)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds frozen meatballs pre-cooked
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 can (19 oz.) pineapple tidbits or chunks
- ⅓ cup soy sauce low sodium
- 50 grams dark brown sugar about ¼ cup
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
Garnish
- Green onions
Instructions
- Lightly grease the base of a crockpot and add in all ingredients.
- Set on LOW for 4 hours, stirring once or twice throughout.
- Garnish if desired and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover pineapple BBQ meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave, slow cooker, or on the stovetop.
- If the sauce is too thin for you, feel free to stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up. I would do this during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Allow the meatballs to cook with minimal disruptions. Stirring too often can break up the meatballs, and opening the lid can lead to uneven cooking.
Sue says
Absolutely PERFECT! I did add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce and added some chopped bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. Delicious over rice. Will be making again! Thanks for posting!
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome! So happy you enjoyed them! You just made my day! All the best. Karin
Pam says
These meatballs were so easy to make and a big hit with my picky eaters. This one is going in the rotation. As always I’m grateful for a new recipe we all enjoy Thanks
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome. I try my best! You just made my day. All the best. Karin
Lulu says
Love these meatballs for an appetizer or dinner. Family gobbled them up. Thanks for sharing another winner. 💕
Karin and Ken says
These meatballs are a personal favorite. Glad you enjoyed them! All the best. Karin