Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (2024)

by Jenn

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This Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs recipe is by far one of my husband’s favorites. To be honest, it’s one of mine too, not just because it tastes great, but also because these slow cooker pineapple BBQ meatballs are super easy to make. They take a little time, yes, but it’s not like you have to sit and stir, mix or even watch them for that matter. Just put them in the slow cooker, set a timer, and go on about your day. I love it when we are planning a party because I can cook something super tasty and still have time to tidy up the house a bit and get ready.

Another reasonI love my slow cooker so much in the summer: it doesn’t heat up the house. OMG, using the oven or stovetop is torture during the summer. Even when we cook on the grill, I find myself using the oven or stove for something. So anytime I can use the slow cooker it’s a welcome treat! Which is how these meatballs ended up being a 4th of July tradition. Several years ago, I decided to take my mom’s BBQ meatballs, give them a little extra tang with pineapple juice, andserve as anappetizerat our 4th of July party because I wanted to avoid my stovetop and oven, lol.

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (1)

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs

To make these easy Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 25 Meatballs – Homemade or frozen is fine, and you can totally add more if you’d like.
  • 1 Bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (I like honey BBQ sauce)
  • 1 cup DOLE® Canned 100% Pineapple Juice
  • 2 tablespoons grape jelly
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Let’s get these yummy meatballs cooking:

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (2)
  • Place your cooked meatballs into slow cooker. Frozen meatballs don’t need to be thawed, and homemade meatballs are best if you leave them a little uncooked. However, you can place fully cooked and thawed meatballs without any problems.
Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (3)
  • Pour DOLE® Canned 100% Pineapple Juice and BBQ sauce into the slow cooker with the meatballs.
Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (4)
  • Add grape jelly and brown sugar and mix everything together. It’s okay if the jelly doesn’t mix in right away you can come back once things have warmed up a bit and it should stir right in.
Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (5)
  • Allow to cook in slow cooker on high for 1 hour, then turn down to low and allow to cook for 2 to 3 more hours. Check the meatballs about once every hour and just stir things up a bit.
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After the BBQ meatballs have cooked for several hours they are ready to eat!

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Go on, grab a meatball and take a bite, you cooked them! You should get to taste the first meatball, right? I mean that’s the beauty of being the cook, you get to taste test along the way. It’s an essential part of cooking in my household, lol.

The pineapple BBQ meatballs make for a great appetizer if you’re hosting a gathering this 4th of July holiday, but they also make a great meatball sandwich, go great with rice and even pasta! Can’t help but loves these meatballs! The perfect combination of sweet and tangy!

I use pineapple juice all sorts of different recipes like our, homemade soft pretzels with brie cheese,and these yummypineapple angel food cupcakes with a pineapple glaze.

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (10)

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Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Rating: 3.7/5

( 7 voted )

Serves: 5 Prep Time: Cooking Time: Nutrition facts: 500 calories 10 fat

Ingredients

  • 25 Meatballs - Homemade or frozen is fine, and you can totally add more if you'd like.
  • 1 Bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (I like honey BBQ sauce)
  • 1 cup DOLE® Canned 100% Pineapple Juice
  • 2 tablespoons grape jelly
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

Place your cooked meatballs into slow cooker. Frozen meatballs don't need to be thawed, and homemade meatballs are best if you leave them a little uncooked.

However, you can place fully cooked and thawed meatballs without any problems. Pour DOLE® Canned 100% Pineapple Juice and BBQ sauce (I used Sue Bee Honey BBQ Sauce) into the slow cooker with the meatballs.

Add grape jelly and brown sugar and mix everything together.

It's okay if the jelly doesn't mix in right away you can come back once things have warmed up a bit and it should stir right in. Allow to cook in slow cooker on high for 1 hour, then turn down to low and allow to cook for 2 to 3 more hours.

Check the meatballs about once every hour and just stir things up a bit. Allow to cook for a few hours and they are done!

Enjoy

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (11)

Jenn

I have a smart mouth, don't sit still well, extremely opinionated, have a lot to say, work hard, love lots, don't have time for drama, or negativity. I love animals, & my job as a New Mexico mom blogger! I love sharing travel adventures, tech gadgets,recipes, parenting struggles (success), crafts, helpfultips, giveaways and sweepstakes, product reviews, andmore. I have amazing 4 children, and have an amazing boyfriend. On my downtime, you'll find me spending time with my family, traveling, cooking, geeking out on tech, plotting the next home improvement, create crafts with the kids, and riding my horses We are plotting our move to greener pastures, with trees, and stuff. Connect with me on Google + Page.

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4 comments

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (12)

cottagebunny March 21, 2017 - 12:05 am

These look so amazing! I love all your pictures and how you set this recipe up for us.Thanks so much.I have already saved it.

Reply

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (13)

Amy March 16, 2017 - 9:35 pm

Yum!!!!! I’m so making these for a party next weekend. Can you tell me the size of BBQ you’re using? I think I’ll double the recipe. I don’t mind leftovers ;)

Reply

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (14)

tina December 27, 2016 - 7:41 pm

These meatballs look good but format for recipe is not very convenient. Wont be making these don’t want to scroll and wait for pictures to load. Sorry!

Reply

Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (15)

Michelle February 2, 2017 - 2:18 pm

its easy enough to just jot down on a piece of paper… these are too good not to make because you don’t want to write down a quick recipe.

Reply

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Best Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What goes well with crockpot meatballs? ›

Serve Meatballs and Little Smokies
  • Potato Skins.
  • Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip.
  • Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Pinwheels.
  • Jalapeno Popper Wontons.
  • Garlic Bread Meatball Subs.
  • Crockpot Sausage Cheese Dip.
  • Jalapeno Cream Cheese Pinwheels.
Oct 19, 2023

How long to heat meatballs in crockpot on high? ›

Cover the slow cooker and cook the meatballs on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through (slice one in half to check). With a spoon, gently turn the meatballs to coat them in the sauce and distribute the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle additional Parmesan and parsley on top, to taste.

Can I cook meatballs from frozen? ›

Of course, you can. Most frozen meatballs you buy in the store are already cooked. But even if you made your own and froze them without cooking them, they can still be gently cooked in a pot of sauce. However, they may fall apart, so cooking them in one layer is preferred, and the texture might be a bit soft.

Why do you put grape jelly in meatballs? ›

To make these sweet and tangy meatballs, you'll need: Grape jelly: For a sweetness that balances the chili sauce, and to provide a glossy finish to the sauce. Chili sauce: Tomato paste, spices, and garlic give this sauce its depth. Barbecue sauce: Thickens the sauce while complementing the jelly and chili sauce.

What's the recipe for barbecue meatballs? ›

In very large bowl combine ground beef, oatmeal, milk, 1/4 cup onion, salt, chili powder, 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs. Place on 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until no longer pink.

What is a good side to go with meatballs? ›

10 Side Dishes to Pair With Meatballs Besides Spaghetti
  • Jen's Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
  • Tasty Spicy Rice Pilaf.
  • Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles.
  • Peperonata.
  • Peanut Butter Noodles.
  • Tasty BBQ Corn on the Cob.
  • Disney's Ratatouille.
  • 8. ' Chinese Buffet' Green Beans.
Jul 30, 2019

Can I leave meatballs in crockpot for 8 hours? ›

Place the meatballs into the sauce mixture. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Enjoy!

How to heat meatballs in a crockpot? ›

Add your frozen, fully cooked meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour in your preferred sauce and give it a stir to coat the meatballs. Use enough sauce to just cover the meatballs. Cook on low for four to six hours.

How to keep meatballs warm in a crockpot? ›

To keep them warm, your best bet is probably leaving them in a slow-cooker on the “warm” setting.

How to doctor up frozen meatballs? ›

10 Ways to Turn Frozen Meatballs into an Easy Weeknight Dinner
  1. Turn them into hearty subs. ...
  2. Toss them in the slow cooker. ...
  3. Make a pizza out of them. ...
  4. Grill them on skewers. ...
  5. Skip IKEA and make your own Köttbullar. ...
  6. Get bowled over. ...
  7. Add a little touch of Catalonia. ...
  8. Bake them into a casserole.
Sep 12, 2019

Can I put frozen meatballs in sauce? ›

Absolutely! You can cook raw frozen meatballs in sauce on the stovetop. Simply add the frozen meatballs to a saucepan or skillet, pour your desired sauce over them, cover, and simmer on low to medium heat until the meatballs are cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Why are my frozen meatballs rubbery? ›

While you can technically use a microwave to cook frozen meatballs, it is not the recommended method. Microwaving can cause the meatballs to become rubbery and unevenly cooked. It is best to use the oven or stovetop for more desirable results.

What should meatballs be served with? ›

What to Serve with Meatballs: 19 Best Side Dishes
  • Spaghetti.
  • Cold Pasta Salad.
  • Lemon Brown Rice.
  • Mashed Potatoes.
  • Egg Noodles.
  • Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
  • Garlic Bread.
Aug 27, 2023

What can I serve with meatballs at a party? ›

Steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, zucchini noodles or broccoli taste great after a bite of savory meat. A simple chopped or caesar salad would be an easy, yet perfect option. Serve with a soft bread such as dinner rolls or a sliced French baguette.

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