Name: Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 3 lbs frozen meatballs; 20 oz can pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved); 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ teaspoon ginger powder; 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 278 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with minimal effort, then you absolutely have to try this Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs simmer gently in a luscious pineapple BBQ sauce, mingled with vibrant bell peppers, creating a perfect balance of tropical zest and comforting warmth. Whether you’re hosting a party, gearing up for game day, or just need a fuss-free dinner that feels special, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

An oval black slow cooker filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer has brown round meatballs, the middle layer consists of bright yellow pineapple chunks, and the top layer is red bell pepper pieces mixed with more pineapple chunks, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building delightful flavor and texture. From the juicy pineapple chunks to the smoky BBQ sauce and tender frozen meatballs, everything combines beautifully without requiring hours of prep.

3 lbs frozen meatballs: The ultimate time saver, these meatballs get perfectly tender as they soak up the sauce.
20 oz can pineapple chunks drained with juice reserved: Adds a natural sweetness and tropical brightness that’s key to the Hawaiian vibe.
1 red bell pepper chopped: Provides a pop of color and a mild, crisp sweetness that complements the savory meat.
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce: The smoky, tangy base that ties the whole sauce together perfectly.
¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a caramel-like sweetness to balance the acidity and richness.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and a touch of salty umami that enhances every bite.
2 tablespoons white vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
4 garlic cloves minced: Infuses a fragrant warmth that livens up the sauce.
¼ teaspoon ginger powder: Lends a gentle hint of spice and aromatic earthiness.
2 tablespoons green onions for topping: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp finish and a bit of crunch when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering your frozen meatballs, pineapple chunks, and chopped red bell pepper. No thawing needed — simply add them straight into your slow cooker. This simplicity is one of the reasons this recipe is a favorite for busy days.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger powder. Whisk everything until it forms a smooth, vibrant sauce. This mixture is where all the fun flavors marry together, so take a moment to enjoy the aroma!

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

Pour the freshly whisked sauce evenly over the meatballs, pineapple chunks, and red peppers. The sauce will coat everything beautifully as it simmers, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and cook the mixture on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the meatballs to heat thoroughly and absorb the sweet and tangy sauce, making them incredibly tender and delicious. Check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Final Stir and Garnish

Once cooked, give the meatballs a gentle stir to coat them evenly with the sauce before sprinkling fresh green onions over the top. This final touch brings freshness and a lovely pop of color, making the dish as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

A white plate holds a bed of white rice spread evenly as the first layer, topped with a second layer of glossy, dark reddish-brown meatballs mixed with bright red and yellow bell pepper chunks. Small pieces of green onion are scattered on top, adding a touch of green to the dish. The plate is placed on a light wooden board, with a red and white checkered cloth on the right side. A white bowl filled with chopped green onions sits in the bottom left corner, with the edge of a silver pot visible at the top. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding chopped green onions is a classic garnishing choice, but you can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and visual appeal. These additions enhance the presentation and lend subtle bursts of texture and herbal brightness to the dish.

Side Dishes

Serving these meatballs alongside steamed white rice or coconut rice effortlessly soaks up the sauce and rounds out the meal. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or even a crisp green salad pairs wonderfully and balances the richness of the meatballs.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game day, serve the Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe in a large slow cooker set on the table so guests can help themselves. You can also skewer the meatballs for easy finger food or pile them on slider buns for irresistible mini sandwiches bursting with tropical sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meatballs, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and intensify overnight, making your next meal taste even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Spoon cooled meatballs and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it back up and bring back that fresh saucy texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While frozen meatballs save time and are perfect for busy days, homemade meatballs add a personal touch and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Just cook them thoroughly before adding to the crockpot to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most store-bought frozen meatballs and BBQ sauces may contain gluten, so check the labels carefully or use gluten-free options. The rest of the ingredients, like pineapple, bell peppers, and spices, are naturally gluten-free.

Can I double or halve this Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales really well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if doubling, ensuring the crockpot isn’t overfilled, and for halving, cooking times remain roughly the same since the meatballs are frozen.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in sliced onions, diced green bell peppers, or even pineapple chunks with juice to amplify the fruity flavor. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables cook faster and might become very tender by the end.

How spicy is this recipe?

This dish leans more toward sweet and tangy rather than spicy. If you love a bit of heat, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during the sauce preparation can give it a nice kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the sweet-and-savory magic of the Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that invites relaxed, joyful moments around the table without the stress of complicated preparation. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for busy nights and celebratory gatherings alike. So grab that crockpot and get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as delicious as it is effortless.