This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs recipe packs a ton of flavor in every bite. The meatballs are smothered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, then topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onion. They make a great appetizer or main dish for any night of the week!

If you’re a fan of meatballs, then try my Authentic Italian Meatballs and my Asian Turkey Meatballs.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs in a crockpot.

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    Before You Get Started / Kelley’s Tips

    • Use lean beef with a little fat. If you can, choose ground beef with a bit more fat (80/20 or 85/15). This adds flavor and moisture to the meatballs, preventing them from being too dry.
    • Serve with rice or noodles. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or even egg noodles to soak up the savory sauce.
    • Double the recipe. If you’re serving a crowd, this recipe is easy to double. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra servings.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Ground Beef: The hearty base of the meatballs that offers a rich, juicy texture and flavor.
    • Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy, these breadcrumbs help give the meatballs a tender, slightly crispy texture.
    • Eggs: Binds the meatball mixture together while adding moisture.
    • Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth.
    • Ginger and Garlic: Provide so much flavor! There is ginger and garlic in the meatballs as well as the sauce too!
    • Pineapple Chunks + Pineapple Juice: Balances the savory meatballs with a burst of tropical flavor.
    • BBQ Sauce: Gives the meatballs a tangy sweetness and also helps to thicken up the sauce!
    • Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami-rich flavor to the sauce.
    • Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to the sauce.

    How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

    1. In a large bowl combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper.
    Ingredients for slow cooker hawaiian meatballs in a mixing bowl.
    1. Form into 22 meatballs.
    Uncooked Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs on a plate.
    1. Heat a large skillet with oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
    2. Add in garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
    3. Transfer the meatballs, garlic and ginger to a crockpot.Add in the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, pineapple, pineapple juice, bell pepper and onion.
    4. Mix to combine then slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
    5. Serve immediately with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish!
    Ingredients for slow cooker hawaiian meatballs in a crockpot.

    Serving Suggestions

    Close up view of slow cooker hawaiian meatballs on a bed of white rice on a white plate with a fork.

    Storage Information

    • To Store leftover Hawaiian Meatballs, keep refrigerated in an airtight container with sauce for up to three days.
    • Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to three months. (You can also freeze sauce separately to use in other dishes.)
    • Reheat frozen meatballs by allowing them to thaw in the fridge overnight and place in the slow cooker until warmed through. You can also microwave thawed and chilled leftovers at 30-second intervals until warmed through, but it could affect the texture of the meatballs. Another option is warming in a skillet until desired temperature is achieved.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

    Yes! Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be aware that turkey may yield slightly drier meatballs, so consider adding a bit more moisture (like a tablespoon of olive oil) to the meat mixture.

    Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

    Yes, fresh pineapple can be used. Just make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces and reserve the juice from the fresh fruit to add to the sauce.

    Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Definitely! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats, and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a great option.)

    More Meatball Recipes To Try

    Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

    This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs recipe packs a ton of flavor in every bite. The meatballs are smothered in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, then topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onion. They make a great appetizer or main dish for any night of the week!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
    Serves 24 meatballs
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    Email this Recipe

    Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

      Ingredients 

      Meatballs

      Sauce

      Instructions

      • In a large bowl combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper.
      • Form into meatballs, I got about 22 meatballs.
      • Heat a large skillet with oil. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
        Add in garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
      • Transfer the meatballs, garlic and ginger to a crockpot.
        Add in the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, pineapple, pineapple juice, bell pepper and onion.
      • Mix to combine then slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
      • Serve immediately with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish!

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 9gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

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