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Flavorful Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs Recipe with Sweet Pineapple Glaze

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Easy and perfect for parties, these crockpot Hawaiian BBQ meatballs feature a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze that is tender, juicy, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds frozen pre-cooked or homemade meatballs
  • 1 cup canned pineapple chunks with juice (not syrup)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet, e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice (optional, to thin sauce if needed)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, canned pineapple chunks with juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pour frozen or thawed meatballs into the crockpot, spreading evenly.
  3. Pour the prepared pineapple BBQ glaze evenly over the meatballs. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula to coat all meatballs with the sauce (about 3 minutes).
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir the meatballs. If sauce is too thick, stir in fresh pineapple juice or water to loosen. If too thin, cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes to thicken.
  6. Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Use small to medium-sized meatballs for best glaze coverage. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free meatballs. Avoid overcooking to prevent drying out. Stir gently to keep meatballs intact. Cornstarch slurry can be added near the end to thicken glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, Hawaiian BBQ meatballs, pineapple glaze, slow cooker recipe, party appetizer, sweet and tangy meatballs

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