Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

Sweet, tangy, and savory, these Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a tropical-inspired blend of pineapple and barbecue sauce until tender and bursting with flavor. Perfect for parties, potlucks, game days, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to throw together and always a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It – Let the slow cooker do all the work.
Sweet & Savory Combo – Pineapple and barbecue sauce bring irresistible flavor.
Party-Perfect – Serve as an appetizer or a hearty main dish.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep and make-ahead meals.
Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs (or use store-bought):

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
• 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Optional for Serving:

• Cooked rice or mashed potatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Extra pineapple chunks

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart)
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (if browning meatballs)
• Small scoop or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make or Use Pre-Cooked Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix until just combined, then roll into 1-inch balls.
3. Optional: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes to brown and set the meatballs before adding to the slow cooker.
4. Alternatively, use frozen pre-cooked meatballs (about 40 small ones).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
2. Top with pineapple chunks.
3. Pour the sauce over everything and gently stir to coat.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
2. Stir once or twice during cooking to evenly coat meatballs in the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or spoon over rice or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
2. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or extra pineapple chunks for a fresh finish.

Tips for Best Results
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Gently combine for tender meatballs.
Brown First for Extra Flavor – Baking helps lock in juices and adds depth.
Use Good Barbecue Sauce – Choose one you love for best results.
Adjust Sweetness – Add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
Double the Recipe – Great for a party or freezing extras.

Serving Suggestions
With Steamed Rice – Soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Over Mashed Potatoes – Comfort food at its finest.
With Grilled Veggies – For a balanced meal.
In a Hoagie Roll – Turn them into a sweet and tangy meatball sub.
As a Party Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and watch them disappear.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Use about 40 small frozen meatballs and adjust cook time slightly if they’re not pre-cooked.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely. Just make sure to use pineapple juice from a separate source to keep the balance in the sauce.

3. What’s the best barbecue sauce for this?
A sweet and smoky style works great, but spicy or tangy sauces are delicious too.

4. Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes. Combine everything in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

5. Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free meatballs, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, and barbecue sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory. Whether you’re serving them at a party, feeding your family on a weeknight, or stocking your freezer with delicious meals, this recipe is one you’ll come back to over and over again. Just a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker will do the rest—delivering juicy, flavorful meatballs every time.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your meatballs turn out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (low)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 580mg

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