Description
Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite—these Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are the perfect blend of tropical flavor and comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a hungry family, or just want an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort thanks to your slow cooker.
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Ingredients
For the Meatballs (homemade or use store-bought):
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1 ½ lbs ground beef
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup onion, finely diced
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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½ tsp ground ginger
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
OR use 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked beef meatballs for convenience
For the Hawaiian Sauce:
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1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
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1 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite)
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp ground ginger
For Garnish & Serving:
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Sliced green onions
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Sesame seeds (optional)
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Cooked white rice or brown rice
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Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional side)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs (if using homemade)
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs.
Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned (optional but adds flavor).
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In the slow cooker, combine pineapple chunks with juice, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Stir to mix everything evenly.
Add chopped red and green bell peppers for flavor and color.
Step 3: Add the Meatballs
If using homemade or frozen meatballs, place them directly into the slow cooker and stir gently to coat with sauce.
Cover with the lid.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crockpot to LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Gently stir once or twice during cooking, if possible.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk together cornstarch and water.
Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate.
This helps thicken the sauce to that classic sticky-sweet consistency.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once the sauce is thickened and meatballs are hot and tender, turn off the slow cooker.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using.
Serve over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Notes
Use Frozen Meatballs – A great time-saver that still tastes delicious.
Don’t Overmix Meat – When making homemade meatballs, mix just until combined to keep them tender.
Add a Kick – For a spicy twist, stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha.
Try Different Proteins – Chicken or turkey meatballs work great too.
Double the Recipe – Perfect for crowds and freezes beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on LOW)
- Cuisine: American-Island Fusion