Go Back
–+ servings
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

Savory Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs for All Occasions

Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are a delicious, sweet, and smoky dish that turns any meal into a delightful feast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Use 80/20 fat content for juiciness; substitute with turkey or chicken if desired.
  • 1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 Eggs Use large eggs.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Almond milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 Onion Finely minced; can use shallots or garlic if preferred.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for best incorporation.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used if smokiness is not desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce Sweet and smoky recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice Use juice from canned pineapple for consistency.
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Fresh pineapple can be used if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free diets.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Optional for thickening the sauce.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and milk. Add minced onion, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently and shape into 1–1.5 inch meatballs.
  2. For added flavor, heat a skillet and sear the formed meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
  4. Place meatballs in the slow cooker, add pineapple chunks over meatballs, and pour the sauce mixture over them.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2.5 hours, stirring once halfway if possible.
  6. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce 20-30 minutes before cooking time is up.
  7. Check seasoning before serving, adjust salt and pepper as needed, and serve warm garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 12mg

Notes

These meatballs are great as appetizers or can be served over rice or in sliders. They are versatile and can be adjusted to your taste with various ground meats and sauces.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!