5 Star Reader Comment
Awesome meatballs! A big hit at our get together and everyone wanted the recipe! Was almost like sweet and sour. Will make them many times again!
Pate
When Meatballs Get A Glow Up!
My boys have always been obsessed with my meatball recipe. I think that Hunter could probably eat them every day of the week and has been known to scarf down at least 4 helpings at a time. To keep these guys happy, I’ve come up with a new recipe for meatballs that has them totally smitten. I’ve combined meatballs, chunks of pineapple, fresh ginger, and a sweet, tangy sauce for a flavor combination that’s crazy good!
Can You Use Frozen Meatballs? Here’s the Good News
Yes! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. Just add the frozen meatballs straight to your slow cooker — no need to thaw. They’ll cook low and slow in the sauce until they’re tender and flavorful.
Want to take it up a notch? You can use my Homemade Meatballs for this recipe — they hold up beautifully in the crockpot and add even more flavor to the dish.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
- Frozen Meatballs – You can use beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meatballs.
Pineapple Chunks – Drained from the can or fresh pineapple cut into bite-sized pieces.
BBQ Sauce – Your favorite store-bought brand works great.
Soy Sauce – Adds a little salty depth.
Rice Wine Vinegar – For a bit of acidity and brightness.
Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
Fresh Ginger + Garlic – Brings warmth and zing to the sauce.
Cooking Time Cheat Sheet
High setting: 2–3 hours
Low setting: 5–6 hours
Internal temperature should reach 165°F for serving.
How To Make Pineapple Meatballs In The Slow Cooker
This is essentially a set-it-forget-it recipe. Here’s how it comes together:
- Add meatballs to your slow cooker. No need to thaw!
- Drain the pineapple and add the chunks on top of the meatballs.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Grate in the ginger and garlic, then whisk again.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and pineapple. Stir gently to coat everything.
- Cover and cook: on low for 5 to 6 hours, on high for 2 to 3 hours
- Serve warm with toothpicks, or over white rice for a heartier meal.
Meatballs are a favorite in my family. Whether it’s Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs, Easy Party Cocktail Meatballs, or Homemade Meatball With Sauce, they always disappear fast!
More Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Love
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 20 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- To the bowl of a crock pot, add frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks.
- In a medium-size bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and brown sugar.
- Using a micro-plane, grate ginger, and garlic and whisk into the sauce. Pour the sauce over meatballs then gently toss to coat. Put lid on crock pot. Set to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6.
- When done, sprinkle meatballs with chopped chives and serve.
Substitutations
- * ¼ teaspoon of dried ginger can be substituted for fresh grated.
- * Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for rice wine vinegar.
Video
Notes
Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze:
Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutrition
Do The Meatballs Need To Be Thawed?
Nope. Put the frozen meatballs in the crock pot and let it work its magic.
How To Store And Freeze Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
What To Serve With Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
When I serve these yummy little bites as an appetizer, I like to serve them with Baked Cheese Sticks and Southern Deviled Eggs. They are fantastic for dinner with Baked Fettuccini with cheese and Roasted Broccoli.
If you tried this Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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I’m wondering if another type of meat could be substituted, like ground pork, or chicken breasts? What would you suggest?
Can you used homemade meatballs instead of frozen
Sure.
Hi, I have the same question. Did it work out? Did you have to cook for the same amount of time?
I’m making these right now! They smell so so yummy. I’m curious as to what brand/type of frozen meatballs are used in this recipe?
Made them absolutely delicious FOOTBALL SUNDAY FOOD!
Did these for a potluck at work, quick,easy & they were a hit. Prepped the sauce in the evening, threw it in slow cooker, Steamed the rice in the morning while I got ready for work. Plugged in the slow cooker threw in the meat, when I got in the office & the crew went wild, once they started to smell it, as it cooked. Each person served the hot meatballs & sauce over the previously steamed rice…easy peasey…now I’ll try it on the family
Love this!
~Donya
How much of each ingredient? Did I miss something? Ok, had to refresh page. Originally, all ingredients were listed but not no measurements. After page refresh meas included.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all ingredients – https://www.asouthernsoul.com/crock-pot-hawaiian-meatballs/
If I’m making the meatballs today to be served had a party tomorrow how do I go about the reheating process? Thank you so much.
Put them in a crock pot on WARM or in a large pot on low. Heat through and serve.
~Donya
For the ginger can it be ground ginger or paste? Only asking as I tried to find dried ginger and these are the options.
I use fresh in the recipe but you can sub in ground or pasta, both will work.
~Donya
Absolutely delicious! I used frozen meatballs and crushed pineapple instead of cut and they we so good. I made about 100 of them for a banquet and they were a huge hit. I am going to make them again for our 4th of July party. Thank you for this wonderful recipe, it will be a staple in my household!
Lana, you are the best!
~Donya
I made these for a get together. Everyone loved them.