Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly tangy, Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are the answer to all your party food dreams—and weeknight dinner cravings! Imagine plump meatballs luxuriously coated in a pineapple-teriyaki glaze, mingling with juicy bursts of pineapple and just the right amount of savory-sweet magic. Whether you’re hosting a game night, need a potluck showstopper, or simply want an effortlessly delicious meal, this dish has your back. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes everyone asks for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of pantry staples and a quick whirl of the whisk can deliver such bold, unforgettable flavor. Every ingredient here plays a superstar role, from the umami teriyaki to the sweet pineapple juice, making Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs the ultimate comfort crowd-pleaser.

• Frozen meatballs (2 lbs): Saves tons of prep time—choose your favorite: beef, chicken, or turkey all work beautifully.
• Pineapple chunks with juice (1 can, 20 oz): Pineapple adds natural sweetness and juicy pops of tropical flavor.
• Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Brings smoky depth and tangy oomph to the glaze.
• Teriyaki sauce (1/2 cup): Infuses the dish with that classic savory-sweet Hawaiian vibe.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds caramel richness and helps the sauce get delightfully sticky.
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp): A splash sharpens and deepens all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Lends gentle garlicky warmth throughout every bite.
• Cornstarch + water (1 tbsp + 2 tbsp, optional): For thickening the sauce to your dream level of glossy stickiness.
• Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh color and a delicate oniony crunch finishes the dish perfectly.

How to Make Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Step 1: Whisk Up the Sauce

Start by combining the pineapple juice (just the liquid from your can of pineapple), barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a medium mixing bowl. Grab a whisk and blend until you have a smooth, luscious sauce—this is where all the flavor magic begins!

Step 2: Load the Crock Pot

Gently add your frozen meatballs straight into the crock pot—no need to thaw them! Toss in the pineapple chunks for those signature tangy-sweet bites. This all goes in super fast, making it a dream on busy days.

Step 3: Douse and Coat

Pour that gorgeous sauce right over the meatballs and pineapple. Stir everything together until each meatball is coated in that enticing glaze—it already smells incredible, doesn’t it?

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crock pot. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are heated through. The big hint it’s done? The aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!

Step 5: Thicken (Optional)

If you want a stickier, restaurant-style finish, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the crock pot about 30 minutes before the end and leave the lid off. Watch as the sauce thickens and clings dreamily to every meatball.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, scatter over some chopped green onions or chives for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Set out your Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, and get ready for everyone’s eyes to light up!

How to Serve Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

this Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing flourish makes all the difference! Sprinkle chopped green onions or chives over your Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs for a fresh, vibrant touch. If you like a hint of heat, a few red chili flakes add a spicy kick without overpowering the tangy glaze.

Side Dishes

These meatballs love a cozy bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice—it soaks up all that gorgeous sauce! For party fare, nestle them on a platter with toothpicks. Garlic butter noodles, crisp Asian-style slaw, or even steamed broccoli all complement the sweet-savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra fun, skewer the meatballs and pineapple chunks for a kabob-style appetizer, or pile them onto slider rolls with a smear of extra sauce for irresistible Hawaiian meatball sliders! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and makes the dish look even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic meal prep option.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for future cravings, these meatballs freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool, then seal in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They’re good in the freezer for up to 2 months—reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight.

Reheating

For best results, warm the meatballs gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too: reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just brown them in a skillet first so they hold together while slow cooking. Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and soak up the Hawaiian glaze beautifully.

What type of barbecue sauce should I use?

Go with your favorite—sweet, smoky, or spicy all work. If you love a zippier glaze, use a spicier sauce; for classic sweetness, a traditional honey BBQ is fantastic in Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free frozen meatballs and swap in gluten-free versions of soy sauce, teriyaki, and barbecue sauce. Double check every ingredient and you’re set!

Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough. Double all the ingredients and keep the cook time about the same—just a little more stirring may be needed to coat everything evenly.

Do Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs taste good the next day?

They’re even better! As they sit, the flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers seriously crave-worthy. Simply reheat and enjoy all over again.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are pure joy on a plate—effortless, irresistible, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and watch your friends and family come back for seconds. Once you taste their sweet, tangy, and utterly cozy flavor, they’ll be your go-to party and comfort food, too!