Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs, a perfect sweet and savory appetizer or main dish. These easy-to-make meatballs are simmered in a tangy pineapple barbecue sauce, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 32 ounces frozen fully cooked meatballs (about 40 meatballs)
Barbecue Sauce Mixture
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple
- 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer to ensure even heating.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until all ingredients are well blended into a smooth sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the meatballs thoroughly with the sauce.
- Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir once halfway through cooking if possible to ensure even saucing and heating.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened, serve them warm. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or served over rice for a main course.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade meatballs for frozen ones; brown them in a skillet first before adding to the slow cooker to enhance flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds to add color and texture when serving.
