Name: Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-486091H39M12S
Total time: PT-486091H39M12S
Ingredients: 3 lb frozen meatballs (beef/pork blend, about 1″ size); 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice for smoothies!); 2 cups BBQ sauce (sweet‑smoky varieties work best); ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for GF); ¼ cup rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); ¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar); 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger (must-have zing); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives (garnish; scallions or cilantro also work)

Description

Hey, kitchen friend! Harper here, wooden spoon in hand, bringing island vibes to your table. These Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are the ultimate “set it and forget it” weekday delight or potluck showstopper. Juicy meatballs swim in a sweet-tangy sauce with pineapple, ginger, and BBQ—no grilling, no stress, just tropical magic. Ready to bring the island to your kitchen? Let’s hula!

Ingredients

Scale

3 lb frozen meatballs (beef/pork blend, about 1″ size)
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice for smoothies!)
2 cups BBQ sauce (sweet‑smoky varieties work best)
¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for GF)
¼ cup rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger (must-have zing)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives (garnish; scallions or cilantro also work)

Instructions

Sauce Prep: In the crock pot set to LOW (or HIGH if you’re short on time), whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Taste and adjust—more tang or sweet to your liking!
Load & Toss: Gently add frozen meatballs and drained pineapple chunks. Stir carefully to coat everything evenly.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours (for tender perfection) or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- Tip: If the sauce seems too thin near the end, remove the lid and set to HIGH for 15–20 mins to thicken.
Finish & Serve: Stir gently, then scoop into your serving dish or keep warm in the crock pot. Sprinkle with chives for fresh color and flavor!

Notes

Don’t settle for cheap BBQ—quality makes a difference.
Fresh ginger DOUBLES the flavor—don’t skip it!
Avoid tiny pineapple tidbits—they dissolve; I prefer chunkier texture.
Leftovers taste even better—store in fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat gently to preserve saucy texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)

Nutrition

Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Sugar: 16 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber:  1 g
Protein: 18 g