Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the smoky richness of barbecue sauce. Whether served over rice or as a tasty appetizer, these meatballs are perfect for a busy weeknight or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Simply set it and forget it, and you’ll have a flavorful meal waiting for you.

Ingredients

1 lb frozen meatballs
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine the frozen meatballs, barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Stir until the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs for a meatless alternative.
Add Veggies: Stir in some diced bell peppers, onions, or even carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Honey Option: Swap the brown sugar for honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Pineapple BBQ Glaze: For a thicker sauce, cook the mixture uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the sauce and thicken it into a glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs with the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

10 FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh meatballs; just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker. Cooking times may be slightly shorter for fresh meatballs.
Can I use homemade meatballs? Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can be used in place of frozen ones. Just make sure to brown them first if you prefer.
How do I make the sauce thicker? You can thicken the sauce by cooking it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time, or by stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I cook this dish on high? Yes, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours. However, cooking on low for 4-6 hours results in more tender meatballs and a richer flavor.
Can I make this dish in the oven instead? Yes, bake the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, then toss them in the sauce and serve.
What can I serve with these meatballs? These meatballs go well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. They can also be served as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Can I add extra pineapple? Yes, you can increase the pineapple for a more pronounced fruity flavor, or even add some pineapple juice for more liquid in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to cook, just transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook according to the recipe.
Can I use another type of meatball? Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs for a different twist.
How can I make this recipe spicier? To make this dish spicier, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for extra heat.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are a convenient, flavorful dish that will please everyone at your table. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory barbecue sauce, and tender meatballs makes for a winning meal. Whether served over rice or as an appetizer, this dish is perfect for any occasion, and the slow cooker makes it so easy to prepare.