Hawaiian Meatballs | Crockpot Hawaiian Meatball Recipe

If you’re a fan of sweet, savory, and easy-to-make dishes, you’re going to love this Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs recipe! Juicy, tender meatballs are slow-cooked in a tangy pineapple glaze that’s bursting with tropical flavors. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a family dinner, or just craving something special, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Magnificent Meatballs

• Easy to Make. Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the magic.
• Perfect for Parties. These sweet and tangy meatballs are a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
• Family-Friendly. The combination of pineapple, bell peppers, and savory meatballs appeals to all ages.
• Versatile. Serve them as a main dish over rice, as sliders, or as a party appetizer.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s ready to wow your guests.

What Do Hawaiian Meatballs Taste Like?

Hawaiian Meatballs are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining tender, juicy meatballs with a sweet and savory glaze.

The sauce includes pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a hint of brown sugar, which creates a tropical flavor profile that’s both comforting and exotic. Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks for texture and freshness, and you have a dish that’s bursting with color and flavor!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Frozen Meatballs– Beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs all work great.
• Pineapple Chunks- You’ll need the chunks and the juice.
• Brown Sugar- Adds the perfect sweet, caramelized flavor.
• Soy Sauce- Balances the sweetness with savory umami.
• Rice Vinegar- For a slight tang.
• Ketchup- Thickens the sauce and adds tangy flavor.
• Garlic- Enhances the savory notes.
• Bell Peppers- Adds color, crunch, and freshness.
• Cornstarch Slurry- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water thickens the sauce.
• Green Onions- Sliced for a pop of color and freshness.
• Sesame Seeds- Optional, for a nutty finishing touch.

How To Make Hawaiian Meatballs

1. Prepare the Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Mix until everything is fully combined. This creates the perfect sweet and tangy glaze.
2. Assemble the Crockpot. Add the frozen meatballs to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers to the pot. Gently stir everything together.
3. Cook the Meatballs. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to coat the meatballs in the sauce. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
4. Garnish and Serve. Once the sauce has thickened, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Here are some essential tips and tricks for making the perfect Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs. These tips will ensure your meatballs turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time:

• Don’t Overcook. Avoid cooking the meatballs too long, or they may become tough.
• Homemade Meatballs. If you prefer homemade meatballs, brown them in a skillet first to keep them firm.
• Adjust Sweetness. Add more or less brown sugar depending on your desired level of sweetness.
• Thicker Sauce. For a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry as mentioned in the recipe.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations for your Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs:

• Spicy- Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Teriyaki- Replace the ketchup with teriyaki sauce for a deeper, savory flavor.
• BBQ- Add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the mix for a smoky twist.
• Tropical Mango Twist- Mix in fresh mango chunks along with the pineapple for an extra tropical vibe.

What To Eat With Hawaiian Meatballs

These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• White or Brown Rice- Serve over steamed rice to soak up the sweet and savory sauce.
• Cauliflower Rice- A low-carb option that’s just as tasty.
• Hawaiian Rolls- Make sliders by serving the meatballs in soft Hawaiian rolls.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables- Add extra veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
• Noodles- Serve over cooked lo mein or spaghetti noodles for a hearty meal.

How Long Do They Last?

Hawaiian meatballs can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

To maintain their freshness, allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to the container, and ensure the sauce is included to keep them moist.

Can You Freeze Them?

If you’d like to store them longer, Hawaiian meatballs freeze exceptionally well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them on the stovetop or in a crockpot until heated through.

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• Potato Skins
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• Skillet Queso

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