Enjoy more of the very best meatball recipes like Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Swedish Meatballs and Turkey Meatballs. Can we all just agree that Crockpot meatballs are the best appetizer… possibly ever? They’re so easy to make! Just grab a bag of frozen meatballs and toss them into the slow cooker with your other ingredients. Set it, forget it, then serve with toothpicks and watch them disappear. We also love serving this slow cooker meatball recipe over Baked Rice for an easy dinner that rarely has any leftovers. The flavor profile here is worth drooling over. Sweet and tangy ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple chunks and more come together to create the very best combination of flavors and textures. The sauce coats each meatball, pineapple chunk and bell pepper perfectly. I seriously can’t get enough of this easy, summery Crockpot meatball recipe!
Why we love these Pineapple Brown Sugar Slow Cooker Meatballs:
Game Day Favorite: Whether it’s the beginning of the season or well into playoffs, these pineapple meatballs always satisfy a game day crowd. So Easy: They are perfect for entertaining because you can set it and forget it — put your feet up or get to work on your other meal components. Budget Friendly: If you take a quick look at the ingredients listed, you’ll notice that there’s nothing here that will break the bank. Bright Flavors: Golden chunks of pineapple give this Crockpot recipe the very best summery burst of sweet flavor.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs Ingredients Needed:
Pineapple Juice: I love the pineapple flavor here! However, you can substitute for apple or orange juice if preferred. Brown Sugar: You can use any sweetener. You can also reduce the amount as well to best suit your tastes. Ketchup: Ketchup adds rich tomato flavor, sweetness and tang. While you can swap it for crushed tomatoes, you’ll want to still add sweetness, acidity and seasonings to compensate. Meatballs: Homemade Easy Meatball Recipe or these Turkey Meatballs both work well in this recipe, but you can also use frozen, store bought meatballs in a pinch. If you choose to make them from scratch, be sure to still freeze or chill them first so they don’t fall apart when cooking. Bell Peppers: You can use any color bell peppers you like best. Cornstarch: thickens the sauce Pineapple Chunks: If you have any left over, use them to make my favorite Pineapple Smoothie. Chicken Stock: I like using low-sodium broth in my cooking. That way, I can add more salt if needed and better control the amount of sodium in the dish. Worcestershire: Adds a great savory umami flavor. Garlic: Measure with your heart! Just try to be careful not to overpower the other ingredients. Seasonings: Onion powder, salt and red pepper flakes create the very best flavor. Adjust each seasoning as desired.
How to make Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs in the crockpot:
Take a quick look at how easy this Crockpot pineapple meatballs recipe is! For more detailed ingredient measurements and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.
Whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, corn starch, garlic, onion powder, salt and red pepper flakes. Place meatballs, peppers and pineapple chunks in a slow cooker.
Pour sauce mixture over top and stir until combined. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until thickened.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetables: Feel free to clean out your produce drawer with this one! Add whatever veggies sound good to you (add firmer ones at the beginning, and stir softer ones in at the end). Meatballs: Use homemade or store-bought meatballs. Just keep in mind that whichever route you take, the meatballs should be frozen (or at least thoroughly chilled!) so they hold up while cooking. Spice: This recipe is on the sweeter side. Spice things up by tossing in some more crushed red pepper flakes!
How to store leftover Meatballs
Let the meatballs first fully cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for about 3-4 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid to thin the sauce if necessary.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs?
Yes! Let them totally cool to room temperature, then transfer the pineapple glazed meatballs to an airtight freezer-safe container. Label, date and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight prior to reheating.
Serving suggestions:
I love serving these sauce slow cooker meatballs with toothpicks as a party appetizer! You can also toss them on top of some white or brown rice for dinner. Instant Pot Jasmine Rice is my favorite to pair these saucy meatballs with! We love adding some Honey Glazed Carrots or Easy Broccoli Salad to the plate for a pop of color.
More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love!
Crockpot Pulled Pork — an easy make-ahead meal. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef — skip the takeout! Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken — another sweet and saucy recipe. Crockpot Little Smokies — pair with these crockpot meatballs for game day!
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