Description
These Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender frozen meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with colorful bell peppers and fragrant garlic and ginger. Perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer, they require minimal prep and are cooked slowly to meld the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Vegetables
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Thickener and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and rice vinegar until well combined to create a balanced sweet and tangy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the frozen meatballs, chopped red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) into the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and the bell peppers have softened, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce slightly for a richer texture.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the drained pineapple chunks and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes to ensure the pineapple is heated through without losing its fresh taste.
- Serve: Garnish the meatballs with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve the Hawaiian meatballs over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
Notes
- Use frozen meatballs straight from the freezer for convenience—no need to thaw.
- For a spicier version, adjust or omit the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently on low in the crockpot or in a skillet.
- Serve with steamed white rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
