Sweet, tangy, and totally hands-off.
These slow cooker pineapple BBQ meatballs are one of those “dump it, forget it, enjoy it” kinda recipes. You just toss a few things in the slow cooker and come back a few hours later to saucy, juicy meatballs packed with sweet, smoky flavor. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, game day, potlucks, or even just when you’re craving something cozy and easy.
I’ve made these for family gatherings, and they disappear fast. The pineapple gives it this awesome pop of sweetness, and the BBQ sauce makes everything sticky and finger-lickin’ good.
🍴 What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice (don’t drain!)
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s a regular in my meal rotation. It’s tasty, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- You just dump and go. No chopping, no browning, nothing fancy.
- Pineapple + BBQ = magic. Sweet and tangy is one of my favorite flavor combos.
- Perfect for feeding a group. Whether it’s movie night or a potluck, this one’s a hit.
- Works as dinner or an appetizer. Serve it over rice or with toothpicks!
🍽 Servings & Time
Makes: 6 servings
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on high, or 6 to 7 hours on low
Prep Time: 5 minutes
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Frozen meatballs slowly warm in the sauce, absorbing flavor without falling apart.
- Pineapple juice has enzymes that help tenderize and infuse meatballs with flavor.
- Slow cooking allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize a bit, giving that sticky BBQ finish.
🧠 Meal Plan Ideas
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a quick dinner.
- Make sliders with Hawaiian rolls.
- Use as a meal prep bowl with rice and steamed broccoli.
- Bring to parties in the slow cooker and serve with toothpicks.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using raw meatballs. This recipe is for fully cooked frozen meatballs only.
- Draining the pineapple. Don’t! You want all that juicy sweetness.
- Cooking too long. Overcooked meatballs can turn mushy.
- Using a sweet BBQ sauce without balancing it. Add the soy sauce to help with that.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- Hawaiian rolls
- Coleslaw or simple cucumber salad
❓ FAQ
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes, but cook and freeze them first so they hold up in the slow cooker.
What BBQ sauce works best?
I like something smoky with a little sweetness—Sweet Baby Ray’s is a go-to.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely. Add 1 tsp of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha.
Can I use pineapple tidbits instead of chunks?
Yep, just make sure it’s in juice, not syrup.
🔪 Tools Needed
- Slow cooker
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring
- Small cutting board and knife (for parsley if using)
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- Turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef
- Teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ for an Asian twist
- Crushed pineapple if you want smaller bits throughout
- Add bell peppers or onions for extra veg and flavor
🕒 Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the base and turn it on.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add Frozen Meatballs to Slow Cooker
Pour the frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Pineapple with Juice
Open the can and pour in the pineapple chunks with the juice.
Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce, Soy Sauce, Honey & Garlic Powder
Pour in the BBQ sauce, then add soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Give it a gentle stir.
Step 4: Cook on LOW for 6-7 Hours or HIGH for 3-4 Hours
Cover the slow cooker. Let it do its thing. Stir once or twice if you can.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
When done, give it one last gentle stir. Garnish with chopped parsley if you’d like.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🥄 Final Thoughts
This one’s a keeper. Whether you’re feeding your crew, showing up to a potluck, or just want something easy and delicious—these pineapple BBQ meatballs check all the boxes. Try it out and drop me a comment to let me know how it went or if you made any tweaks. I’d love to hear your spin on it!
