Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker. Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and work beautifully here.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

That’s up to you! A smoky sauce pairs well with pineapple, but a sweeter honey-style barbecue sauce also shines. Use your favorite—it’s the star of the dish.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These meatballs reheat well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep.

Can I cook them on high instead of low?

Yes, if you’re short on time, cook on high for 2–3 hours. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs: 5-Star Irresistible & Easy

Description

Sweet, tangy, and effortless, these Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are perfect as a family dinner or party appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Set slow cooker to low heat.
Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce until smooth.
Add Ingredients: Place frozen meatballs and drained pineapple chunks into the slow cooker.
Pour Sauce: Cover meatballs and pineapple with the sauce mixture.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, until meatballs are heated through and flavors meld.
Optional Thickening: Stir in cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) 30 minutes before serving for a thicker sauce.
Serve & Enjoy: Stir well and serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for dinner.

Notes

You can substitute homemade, fully cooked meatballs instead of frozen.
For a smoky twist, use a hickory-style barbecue sauce.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days or can be frozen up to 3 months.
Double the recipe for parties—these disappear fast!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Appetizer, Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~5 meatballs
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg