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Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

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4.2 from 48 reviews

This easy Hawaiian Meatballs recipe combines frozen meatballs with BBQ sauce, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory slow cooker meal. Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a delicious main dish, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe ideal for busy days or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs and Sauce

  • 25 frozen meatballs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 1-2 bell peppers, cut into chunks (preferably red and orange)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple chunks, reserving 2-3 tablespoons juice

Spices

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: In the bottom of a crockpot, add the frozen meatballs in an even layer to ensure even heating.
  2. Add the sauce and ingredients: Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the meatballs. Add the chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks on top. Then, drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice over everything to enhance the flavor.
  3. Season: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger over the mixture if using, to add a subtle zing. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined but meatballs remain coated with sauce and other components are evenly distributed.
  4. Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meatballs are thoroughly warmed and the flavors have melded.
  5. Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs as an appetizer or spoon them over cooked rice to make a satisfying main dish. Optionally garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added color and flavor.
  6. Enjoy: Enjoy your flavorful Hawaiian meatballs either as a snack or a hearty meal with family and friends.

Notes

  • You can use any flavor of BBQ sauce that you prefer – sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce it by cooking uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes.
  • For a healthier option, use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef or pork.
  • Adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds at the end adds both texture and visual appeal.
  • Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cooked quinoa for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian