Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video) are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress. With tender meatballs coated in a delicious pineapple BBQ sauce, they stand out as both an appetizer and main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy your time with family and friends.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of pineapple, ginger, and BBQ sauce creates a unique taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even in sandwiches for a fun twist.
• Quick Prep Time: With only 5 minutes of prep, you can easily whip this dish up without hassle.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or gatherings; these meatballs will be the star of the show.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Micro-plane grater
• Serving spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing for hands-free cooking while developing rich flavors.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
• Micro-plane grater: Ideal for finely grating ginger and garlic, enhancing their flavors without chunks.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 3 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 20 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained

For the Sauce

• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice apple vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

How to Make Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Add frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks into the bowl of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium-size bowl:
1. Whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, rice apple vinegar, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Using a micro-plane:
1. Grate ginger and garlic into the sauce mixture.
2. Whisk again to incorporate fully.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Gently toss to coat all meatballs evenly.

Step 5: Set the Cooker

Put the lid on your crock pot:
– Set it to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked:
1. Sprinkle with chopped chives before serving.
2. Enjoy your flavorful Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs!

How to Serve Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these meatballs will be a hit. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the meatballs in a small bowl with toothpicks for easy serving at parties. Guests will love the sweet and tangy flavors combined with tender meatballs.

Over Rice

• Spoon the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making it a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

In Sliders

• Use small slider buns to create tasty meatball sliders. Add some coleslaw on top for crunch and extra flavor, perfect for casual gatherings.

With Noodles

• Toss the meatballs with cooked noodles. This combination creates a filling dish that pairs well with the sauce’s sweetness.

On Skewers

• Thread meatballs and pineapple chunks onto skewers for a fun presentation. Grill them slightly before serving for added flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

To ensure your Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Frozen Meatballs: Frozen meatballs save time and ensure even cooking. Ensure they are fully coated in sauce for best results.

• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider reducing the amount of BBQ sauce or adding cornstarch mixed with water toward the end of cooking.

• Add Fresh Ingredients: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding bell peppers or onions into the crock pot along with the meatballs.

• Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your cooking time; overcooking can dry out the meatballs. Check them after 2 hours on high.

• Garnish Before Serving: Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro add color and freshness when sprinkled just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy choice that balances out the sweetness of the meatballs while adding vibrant color to your plate.

2. Coleslaw: A crunchy and refreshing side that complements the rich flavors of the meatballs, especially if served in sliders.

3. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate, garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and aroma.

4. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious option that provides protein and fiber while adding texture and flavor to your meal.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the tangy meatball sauce.

6. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to regular rice that absorbs flavors well while keeping your dish light and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Using thawed meatballs: Frozen meatballs help keep the dish moist and flavorful. Thawing can lead to overcooking and drying out.
• Ignoring sauce measurements: Too much or too little sauce can alter the taste. Always follow the measurements for the best balance of flavors.
• Not draining pineapple: Leaving excess liquid from the pineapple can make the dish watery. Be sure to drain thoroughly before adding to the crock pot.
• Skipping the garnishes: Chives add a fresh touch to the meatballs. Don’t skip this step; it enhances both appearance and flavor.
• Cooking on high too long: Cooking beyond recommended times can lead to tough meatballs. Stick to the suggested cooking duration for tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow meatballs to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label your containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)?

You will need frozen meatballs, pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, rice apple vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and chives.

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, but be cautious with cooking time as fresh meatballs may cook faster than frozen ones.

How do I customize my Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)?

Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess by modifying the amount of brown sugar or vinegar used.

Are there other sauces that work well with this recipe?

Certainly! You can try teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce as alternatives for a different flavor profile.

How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)?

Depending on your setting, it takes about 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer or main course at any gathering. Feel free to customize them with different sauces or additional vegetables. Give this recipe a try — it’s sure to be a hit!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors, making them a perfect fit for any gathering or family dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring tender meatballs coated in a luscious pineapple BBQ sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, over rice, or in sliders, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set and forget this easy dish while you enjoy quality time with loved ones. Elevate your next meal with these flavorful meatballs that blend tropical sweetness with savory goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice apple vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In the slow cooker, combine frozen meatballs and drained pineapple chunks.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, rice apple vinegar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Grate ginger and garlic into the sauce mixture and whisk again.
4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until heated through.
6. Serve garnished with chopped chives.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2–3 hours
• Category: Appetizer/Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs (170g)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg