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Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot: Get ready to say “Aloha” to your new favorite weeknight dinner! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs, simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a mini-vacation for your taste buds, and the best part? It practically cooks itself!

While not traditionally Hawaiian, these delightful meatballs capture the essence of the islands with their vibrant flavors. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory meatballs, and a hint of ginger creates a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and exciting. Think of it as a modern twist on classic sweet and sour dishes, adapted for the ease and convenience of the slow cooker.

People absolutely adore Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot because they are incredibly easy to make and universally appealing. The sweet and savory combination is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even game-day gatherings. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to tackle other tasks. The tender texture of the meatballs, combined with the sticky, flavorful sauce, makes every bite a truly satisfying experience. So, ditch the takeout menu and let’s get cooking!

Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • For the Meatballs:
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1/2 pound ground pork
    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
    • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Hawaiian Sauce:
    • 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
    • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1/2 cup ketchup
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Optional Garnishes:
    • Chopped green onions
    • Toasted sesame seeds
    • Cooked white rice, for serving

Preparing the Meatballs:

Okay, let’s get started with the meatballs! This is the foundation of our delicious Hawaiian Crockpot Meatballs, so we want to make sure they’re flavorful and tender. I like to use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the best texture and taste, but you can certainly use all ground beef if you prefer.

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Gently break them up with your hands. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Add the panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
  3. Now, using your hands (or a large spoon), gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. You want everything to be evenly distributed, but the mixture should still be light and airy.
  4. Once the mixture is combined, it’s time to form the meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure they’re all roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly in the crockpot. A medium-sized cookie scoop works perfectly.
  5. Roll the meat mixture into balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking.
  6. Optional: For a little extra browning and flavor, you can quickly sear the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them on all sides until lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.

Making the Hawaiian Sauce:

While the meatballs are resting (or searing!), let’s whip up that amazing Hawaiian sauce. This sauce is what really makes this dish special, with its sweet, tangy, and slightly savory flavors. The pineapple chunks add a wonderful tropical twist, and the brown sugar gives it that rich sweetness we all crave.

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the undrained pineapple chunks (don’t drain the juice – that’s where a lot of the flavor is!), brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, white vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent any lumps in the sauce.
  2. Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. If you want more tang, add a splash more vinegar. And if you like it spicy, add a pinch more red pepper flakes.

Slow Cooking the Meatballs:

Now comes the easy part! We’re going to let the crockpot do all the work. The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to become incredibly tender and soak up all that delicious Hawaiian sauce. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply irresistible!

  1. Place the meatballs in the bottom of your crockpot. If you seared them, arrange them in a single layer if possible.
  2. Pour the Hawaiian sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re all evenly coated.
  3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs are done when they’re cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can remove the lid of the crockpot to allow the sauce to thicken further. This will concentrate the flavors and create a beautiful glaze on the meatballs.

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up these mouthwatering Hawaiian Crockpot Meatballs. I love serving them over a bed of fluffy white rice, but you can also serve them as appetizers or even in sliders. The possibilities are endless!

  1. Serve the Hawaiian meatballs hot, spooning plenty of the sauce over them.
  2. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.
  3. Serve over cooked white rice, if desired.
  4. Enjoy! These Hawaiian Crockpot Meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing dish.

Tips and Variations:

  • Pineapple Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of pineapple. Crushed pineapple or even grilled pineapple chunks would be delicious in this recipe.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add some chopped bell peppers, onions, or even broccoli florets to the crockpot along with the meatballs for a more complete meal.
  • Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Meatball Alternatives: You can use pre-made frozen meatballs if you’re short on time. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: If you find the sauce too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thick enough after cooking, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions:

Leftover Hawaiian Crockpot Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply microwave them or heat them in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers an explosion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with minimal effort. Seriously, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle other things while a delicious aroma fills your home. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual weekend gathering.

But beyond the ease of preparation, the taste is what truly sets these meatballs apart. The combination of juicy, tender meatballs simmered in that irresistible pineapple-infused sauce is simply divine. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and brown sugar perfectly complements the savory meatballs, while the soy sauce and ginger add a delightful umami depth. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

And the versatility! Oh, the possibilities are endless. Serve these Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot over fluffy white rice for a classic and satisfying meal. Or, for a lighter option, try serving them with cauliflower rice or quinoa. They’re also fantastic as appetizers – simply skewer them with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Looking for variations? Go ahead and experiment! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Stir in some chopped green bell peppers or onions for added texture and flavor. You could even use different types of meatballs – try turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of rum to the sauce for an extra layer of tropical flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what you love.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic: Serve over white rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
* Light: Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
* Appetizer: Skewer meatballs with pineapple chunks and bell peppers.
* Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* Veggie-Packed: Stir in chopped green bell peppers, onions, or even broccoli florets.
* Lean: Use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef.
* Tropical Twist: Add a splash of rum to the sauce.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to create some culinary magic! And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me. I’d love to hear how it turned out and any variations you tried. Leave a comment below or tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! I know you will love this Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot recipe.


Hawaiian Meatballs Crockpot: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Tender meatballs simmered in a tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Save This Recipe
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time360 minutes
Total Time200 minutes
Yield6-8 servings
👨‍🍳By: Tessa
📂Category: Appetizer
📊Difficulty: Easy
🌍Cuisine: American
🍽️Yield: 6-8 servings
🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Instructions

Recipe Notes

  • Pineapple Variations: Experiment with crushed or grilled pineapple chunks.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets.
  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Meatball Alternatives: Use pre-made frozen meatballs, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: Add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if the sauce is too sweet.
  • Thickening the Sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes if the sauce isn’t thick enough.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or saucepan.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
→ Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
→ How long does this bread keep?
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ What if I don't have all the spices?
You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
→ Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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