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Slow cooker pineapple barbecue meatballs served on a platter

Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

A delightful blend of sweet and savory meatballs simmered in a tangy pineapple barbecue sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb Ground beef, turkey, or chicken Choose based on preference
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

For the Sauce

  • 1 can Pineapple chunks Fresh or canned
  • 1 cup Barbecue sauce Your favorite kind
  • 2 tbsp Soy sauce Optional for added depth

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-combined, then shape into uniform meatballs.
  • For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until golden. However, this step can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Cooking

  • Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple chunks (along with their juice) and barbecue sauce over the top. Add soy sauce if desired, then gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  • Gently stir the meatballs before serving to ensure they are well-coated with the sauce.

Notes

Serve over a bed of rice or in slider buns. Pairs beautifully with coleslaw or roasted vegetables. Add fresh cilantro or green onions for extra flavor and presentation. For meal prep, make the meatballs and sauce the night before.
Keyword barbecue, Comfort Food, Meatballs, Pineapple, Slow Cooker Recipes