Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs with sweet pineapple chunks, savory barbecue sauce, and fresh vegetables for a deliciously easy meal. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, these meatballs are slow-cooked to absorb all the flavors, creating a sweet and tangy dish that works wonderfully as an appetizer or main course served over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sweet onion, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 18 ounces barbecue sauce (1 bottle)
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks (1 can, drained)
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs (1 package)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Vegetables: Place the onion chunks, red bell pepper chunks, and minced garlic in the slow cooker, spreading them evenly for optimal flavor distribution.
- Add Sauces and Pineapple: Pour in the barbecue sauce and add the drained pineapple chunks to the slow cooker, mixing gently to combine the ingredients.
- Add Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker, stirring everything together so that the meatballs are well coated with the sauce and mixed with the vegetables and pineapple.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are heated through and infused with the sauce’s flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian meatballs hot either alone or over cooked rice as a flavorful main dish.
Notes
- Use frozen meatballs straight from the freezer; no need to thaw.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute barbecue sauce with a low-sugar variety for a lighter option.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure the meatballs and barbecue sauce are labeled gluten-free.
