Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Name: Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491794H37M25S
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 3 pounds frozen meatballs; 20 ounces pineapple chunks (drained); 2 cups BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 3 cloves garlic (minced); Chopped chives (for garnish)

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

February 7, 2026

Updated:

February 7, 2026

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Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video) are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress. Their tender texture and vibrant taste set them apart, ensuring they will be a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: With just five minutes of prep time, you can set your crock pot and forget about it until mealtime.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of pineapple, BBQ sauce, and ginger creates a mouth-watering sweetness that everyone loves.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these meatballs as an appetizer, main course, or even in sliders for a fun twist.
Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks or parties, this dish is easy to share and always disappears quickly.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later on.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking enjoyable and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delicious Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Crock pot
Medium-sized mixing bowl
Micro-plane or grater
Serving spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Crock pot: This is essential for slow cooking the meatballs to perfection without constant supervision.
Medium-sized mixing bowl: Great for mixing sauces without making a mess.
Micro-plane or grater: Allows you to easily grate ginger and garlic, enhancing the flavor of your dish.

Ingredients

To make these tasty Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

3 pounds frozen meatballs
1 20 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained

For the Sauce

2 cups BBQ sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice apple vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish

How to Make Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

To the bowl of a crock pot, add frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium-size bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, rice apple vinegar, and brown sugar.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Using a micro-plane, grate ginger and garlic into the sauce mixture.
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crock pot.
Gently toss to coat all meatballs evenly with the sauce.
Put the lid on the crock pot.

Step 5: Cook

Set your crock pot to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.

Step 6: Serve

When done, sprinkle meatballs with chopped chives before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table.

As an Appetizer

Serve in small cups for easy snacking during parties.
Pair with toothpicks for guests to grab and go.

Over Rice

Serve the meatballs on a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Garnish with extra chives for added color and freshness.

In a Sandwich

Place meatballs in a sub roll or slider bun for a delicious handheld meal.
Add some coleslaw for crunch and flavor contrast.

On Skewers

Thread meatballs onto skewers with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a fun presentation.
Grill briefly for added smokiness before serving.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Perfecting your Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

Use Quality Meatballs: Opt for good-quality frozen meatballs for better flavor and texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate freshly grated ginger and garlic for an aromatic boost that enhances overall taste.
Cook Time Matters: Be mindful of the cooking time; overcooking can lead to tough meatballs, while undercooking will leave them cold inside.
Garnish Before Serving: Always sprinkle fresh chives just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrition and a pop of color. Steam lightly and serve alongside.
Fried Rice: A savory fried rice dish balances sweetness with its umami flavors. Use leftover rice for quick preparation.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs. Prepare with shredded cabbage and carrots dressed lightly.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce from the meatballs, adding warmth to your meal.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables offers healthy grains that pair well with the meatball’s flavors.
Garlic Bread: Soft garlic bread complements any saucy dish, allowing you to enjoy every drop of that flavorful sauce.
Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad brings crunch and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the meatballs beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies add depth and heartiness, making your meal more satisfying while enhancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a crock pot can seem simple, but there are common errors that can affect the outcome of your Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs.

Bold phrase: Not thawing meatballs first
Frozen meatballs should be added directly to the crock pot. Thawing them may lead to uneven cooking.
Bold phrase: Skipping the sauce preparation
Failing to mix the BBQ sauce and other ingredients before adding them can result in clumpy flavors. Always whisk the sauce together for even distribution.
Bold phrase: Overcrowding the crock pot
Adding too many ingredients can hinder cooking. Ensure your crock pot has enough space for everything to cook evenly.
Bold phrase: Ignoring cooking times
Cooking on HIGH for too long can dry out meatballs. Follow the recommended times closely for best results.
Bold phrase: Not using enough garnish
Garnishes add flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip on adding fresh chives or herbs before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs.

How do I make Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video) spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the meatballs. Adjust to taste based on your spice preference!

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used! Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as they will cook faster than frozen ones.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video)?

These meatballs pair well with rice, noodles, or even as sliders on buns for a delightful meal or appetizer option.

Can I prepare Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs (+Video) ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different sauces or spices based on your preferences. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal full of flavor!