Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

Pineapple barbecue meatballs over white rice

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

These easy Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Meatballs combine frozen meatballs, sweet pineapple, and tangy BBQ sauce for a slow cooker appetizer or easy dinner idea served over rice.

Course Appetizer, Crock Pot, Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword crockpot pineapple BBQ meatballs, pineapple BBQ meatballs

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 5

Servings

Calories 459kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Ingredients

1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice (drained but reserve juice)
⅓ cup reserved pineapple juice (from draining the can)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 bag (32 oz) frozen, fully cooked homestyle meatballs
sliced green onions optional garnish

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, reserved pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger until combined.
1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce, ⅓ cup reserved pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Add the frozen meatballs and the drained pineapple chunks into a slow cooker (6QT to 8QT). Pour the pineapple barbecue sauce evenly over the top, then gently stir until the meatballs and pineapple are well coated.
1 bag (32 oz) frozen, fully cooked homestyle meatballs, 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice
Cover and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH heat for 2 to 3 hours. The sauce should be glossy. Check several meatballs with an instant-read thermometer to make sure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Gently stir the meatballs before serving to coat them well in the sauce, then switch the slow cooker to WARM setting, this will keep the meatballs warm for serving.
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over top the meatballs and serve as an appetizer, or spoon meatballs + sauce over cooked rice for an easy dinner. Enjoy!
sliced green onions

Notes

Customize and change-up this recipe with different variations of BBQ sauce. I think a sweeter barbecue sauce pairs really nicely with the sweeter pineapple. I love using the Kinders brand either in brown sugar or a honey barbecue sauce. There are also Hawaiian barbecue sauces that are really yummy in this frozen meatball recipe. For some spice make sure you use a spicy or hot barbecue sauce.
If you're able to, stir the meatballs one to two times during the cook time to make sure they stay coated in the sauce.
Make sure you are using pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple rather than in heavy syrup - the juice works better because it gives the sauce pineapple flavor without making it excessively sweet with the heavy syrup.
Use homestyle meatballs and not the Italian style meatballs - you can also use chicken meatballs or turkey meatballs if wanted.
This is an easy crockpot appetizer when served with toothpicks for guests to grab a meatball with. Leave the crockpot on the WARM setting for several hours to keep the meatballs warm for serving.
I make these slow cooker pineapple meatballs for an easy dinner recipe served alongside cooked white rice, coconut rice or fried rice, and then garnish with extra sauce from the slow cooker and top with sliced green onions.
If you prefer sweeter meatballs then add some light brown sugar in with the ingredients; 1 tablespoon up to ¼ cup works fine depending on sweetness preference.

Nutrition