Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs — The EASIEST slow cooker meatball recipe that’s sure to be a hit at parties and events! Or turn this into a no-fuss weeknight meal and serve these pineapple-infused Hawaiian meatballs over rice! Made with only 6 ingredients so you can just set your slow cooker and let it do all the work!

Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Appetizer

When it’s time for the easiest, 6-ingredient slow cooker recipe in the world that’s sure to impress friends and family alike, look no further than these Hawaiian meatballs.

They’re tender, juicy, moist, and infused with wonderful pineapple flavor.

Best of all, this is literally a dump-and-stir recipe where you allow your slow cooker to do all the work for you! And isn’t that the best kind of recipe.

Whether it’s a summer backyard get-together, tailgating season, a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party, this recipe is so versatile and practical.

You can even serve them as a no-fuss weeknight meal with rice or veggies when it’s too hot or you’re too tired to cook.

Ingredients in Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

For this super easy Crockpot appetizer meatballs recipe, you’ll only need six commonly found ingredients including:

• Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce
• Soy sauce (lite or reduced-sodium)
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Frozen, cooked meatballs
• Canned pineapple chunks
• Chives, optional for garnishing

How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

It really doesn’t get any simpler than this recipe!

1. Simply combine and stir together the bbq sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
2. Add the meatballs and drained pineapple to your slow cooker, cover with the bbq sauce mixture, and slow cook them.
3. Optionally garnish with chives before serving up these saucy Hawaiian meatballs. 

I like to add a pineapple chunk or two to a toothpick along with a meatball if I’m serving them that way.

How Long to Cook Meatballs in a Slow Cooker

I always opt to cook the slow cooker meatballs appetizer on low for 6 hours or so. Low and slow is the best method when making Hawaiian meatballs! 

What Kind Of Slow Cooker Is Best?

I used my basic 7-quart slow cooker but I think anything ranging from approximately 6 to 8 quarts will be fine.

Should I Cook the Meatballs on Low or High Heat?

It’s really up to you and what your timetable and plans are. If you’d like to cook the meatballs on low heat, they’ll need 5 to 6 hours. On high heat, about 2 to 3 hours.

Since you’re starting with previously cooked meatballs you don’t have to worry about if they’re cooked through. The longer you cook them, the thicker and more concentrated the flavor of the sauce will be. 

All slow cookers cook differently based on the brand, size, and so forth, so just keep an eye on them.

Do I Have to Use Hawaiian-Style BBQ Sauce?

I recommend Hawaiian Style BBQ Sauce because it adds wonderful extra pineapple flavor to the meatballs.

However, you can certainly switch it up with your favorite BBQ sauce. I can imagine that something like a Carolina Gold style barbecue sauce would also be nice.

What Brand of Frozen Meatballs Are Best?

I have used everything from Costco to store brands to Trader Joe’s, and I honestly go with whatever is fairly reasonable. There is so much flavor in the sauce with these Hawaiian meatballs so that will help things out, too!

Should I Thaw the Frozen Meatballs First? 

I don’t thaw the meatballs ahead of time, although you could if you are planning ahead. Keep in mind that if you set them out to thaw for a bit before adding them to the slow cooker, you’ll likely be able to shave off some of the cooking time estimates I provided.

Can I Use Frozen Pineapple? 

I’ve only tested this recipe using canned pineapple packed in water, so I’m not sure if you can substitute frozen pineapple or not. 

How to Store Leftover Meatballs 

The meatballs will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge but really are best eaten warm and juicy right out of the slow cooker.

Can Hawaiian Meatballs Be Frozen? 

Yes, let the meatballs cool completely before freezing. They’ll last up to 6 months and can be reheated in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Appetizer Meatballs

Hawaiian meatballs can be served as an appetizer or as a meal. We love to spoon the Hawaiian meatballs and all that tasty sauce over rice and eat it as a meal.

However, they’re a great appetizer or party food. Set out some toothpicks or a serving spoon and let folks help themselves. I promise everyone will want this super easy recipe!

I use lite or reduced sodium soy sauce because that’s enough saltiness for us. Generally barbecue sauce is also high in sodium, and combined with the lite soy sauce, there’s plenty of flavor there, not to worry.

Enjoy!

More Easy Party Appetizers: 

Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs — The EASIEST holiday appetizer that’s made with just 3 INGREDIENTS! People adore these saucy meatballs loaded with FLAVOR! A perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s celebrations and holiday parties. Or make them for your next tailgating or game day party!

Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs — These honey garlic meatballs are easy, can be prepped in advance, and hold well at room temp. They’re juicy, tender, and the honey garlic sauce gives them so much flavor! 

Mexican Beef Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad — They’re coated in enchilada sauce and are loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors!! Great for busy weeknight dinners or easy-breezy entertaining!! 

Mexican Baked Cheesy Street Corn Dip – A hot corn dip reminiscent of Mexican street corn!! Creamy, cheesy, spiked with lime juice, chili powder, and a serrano chile or jalapeno for a touch of heat!

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork — Pork is slow cooked to perfection and has Hawaiian-inspired flavors from pineapple and teriyaki sauce! Sweet, tangy, tender, and juicy! It makes the best pulled pork sandwiches or sliders that everyone loves!

Cheddar Pigs In A Blanket – Sliced cheddar cheese and flaked salt takes this classic game day recipe and turns up the flavor! A FAST and EASY appetizer for holiday parties, get-togethers, or events!

BBQ Chicken Sliders — These easy chicken sliders are ready in 25 minutes and are great for Fourth of July, Labor Day, holiday parties, tailgating, and game days.

The BEST Spinach Artichoke Dip — This baked spinach artichoke dip is rich, creamy, and it’s a crowd FAVORITE sure to disappear at parties!! It’s so cheesy thanks to both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses! It’s just THE BEST!!

Ham and Cheese Sliders – Baked juicy ham and Swiss nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and brushed with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping!! Fast, EASY, and a party FAVORITE!!