These irresistible Hawaiian meatballs bring a perfect fusion of sweet and savory flavors to your dinner table in just 25 minutes. Packed with island-inspired goodness and requiring only 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe delivers a delightful twist on traditional meatballs that your family will absolutely love.
Whether served over rice for a complete meal or presented as an appetizer at your next gathering, these mouthwatering meatballs offer the perfect balance of protein and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients Section
- Meatballs: 50-60 pre-cooked frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- BBQ Sauce: 2 1/2 cups (homemade is recommended for best results)
- Pineapple: 1 cup fresh diced or crushed canned pineapple (slightly drained)
Instructions Section
- Slow Cooker Method: Lightly coat your slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer meatballs at the bottom, then pour pineapple and BBQ sauce over them. Cook for 4-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH.
- Stovetop Method: Combine meatballs, pineapple, and BBQ sauce in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to low heat, and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes (thawed meatballs) or 15+ minutes (frozen meatballs).
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve while warm for the perfect sweet and savory combination.
Cooking Method Options
This recipe gives you two super easy ways to make these tasty Hawaiian meatballs! The slow cooker method is perfect for busy days – just toss everything in and let it do its magic. The stovetop version is great when you want these meatballs ready in a snap. Both ways work beautifully, and the sauce gets nice and thick as it warms up.
Easy Substitutions
Feel free to play around with this recipe! You can use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef. Fresh pineapple works just as well as canned – just make sure to cut the pieces into small, bite-sized chunks.
If you’re using store-bought BBQ sauce, go for a sweet and tangy variety to match that Hawaiian flavor. Want it spicier? Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce!
Serving Ideas
These Hawaiian meatballs make an amazing appetizer – just pop some toothpicks in them and watch them disappear! For a full meal, serve them over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice. They’re also fantastic on slider buns for fun mini sandwiches.
Don’t forget those green onions on top – they add a fresh pop of color and flavor. These meatballs are always a hit at potlucks and game day parties!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep these meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors mix together. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or warm them gently on the stovetop. You can even freeze them for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Hawaiian Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker or Large Pot
Ingredients
- 50-60 pre-cooked frozen meatballs store-bought or homemade
- 2 1/2 cups homemade BBQ sauce store-bought can be used, but homemade is highly recommended!
- 1 cup pineapple fresh, diced, or use crushed pineapple from a can, slightly drained
Instructions
- Spray the bottom of your slow cooker lightly with cooking spray. Add frozen meatballs to the bottom of pot. Pour pineapple and bbq sauce over meatballs. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Serve warm garnished with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Add meatballs, pineapple and bbq sauce to a large pot and stir to coat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes for thawed meatballs, or 15+ minutes for frozen meatballs, or until warmed through.
