There’s something magical about recipes that feel like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and I still remember the first time I made Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs for a family gathering. My grandmother’s kitchen always smelled like simmering tomato sauce, sweet pineapples, and fresh herbs, and I loved watching everyone gather around the table, laughing and sharing stories. This dish brings a similar feeling sweet, tangy, and perfectly comforting. Using a crockpot makes it effortless, leaving you free to enjoy your family or even a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
The Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs are my go-to when I want something simple but bursting with flavor. The sweet chili sauce paired with juicy meatballs and tender pineapple chunks makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe always delivers smiles. And the best part? You can prep everything in minutes, let the crockpot do its magic, and come back to a kitchen that smells like heaven.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the balance of sweet and savory dishes. Using quality ingredients and letting them slowly mingle in a crockpot creates that deep, rich flavor you’d normally expect only from hours of cooking. If you’ve never tried Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs, now’s the time to give them a go you’ll see why this dish has become a favorite in my home.
Ingredients for Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs
Here’s everything you need to make this dish magical:
- 2 pounds frozen or homemade meatballs (beef, pork, or a mix) 🍖
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce 🌶️
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice 🍍
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder 🧄
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker sauce)
- Fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish 🌿
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place your meatballs in the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly. Add pineapple chunks on top.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. The meatballs should be heated through, tender, and infused with the sweet and tangy sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving. Allow the sauce to thicken while still on low heat.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the meatballs and sauce over steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are versatile! Serve them as:
- Party appetizers on toothpicks 🥢
- A weeknight family dinner over rice 🍚
- A sweet and savory topping for baked potatoes 🥔
They pair perfectly with a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Tips for Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs 🍲
TIME COOK ⏰
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
- Total time: 4–6 hours
INGREDIENTS 📝
- Use frozen meatballs for convenience
- Fresh pineapple adds a juicy bite, but canned works too
- Adjust chili sauce for desired sweetness or spiciness
INSTRUCTION 👩🍳
- Toss meatballs gently to avoid breaking them
- Cook on low for best flavor infusion
NOTE 💡
- Great for meal prep—store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave
Nutrition 🍽️ (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 18g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What I love most about Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs is how effortless they are. You get the comforting, rich flavors of a homemade dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe also sparks joy it’s colorful, flavorful, and always brings people together. Whether you’re serving them at a potluck, a family dinner, or just indulging yourself, these meatballs make every meal feel special.
Plus, the crockpot method is perfect for busy days. You prep in minutes, let it simmer while you handle other tasks, and come home to a ready-to-eat, crowd-pleasing dish. Honestly, every time I make this, I feel like my grandmother is right there, smiling as everyone enjoys the flavors of home.
Print
Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Description
These Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs are tender, sticky, and full of sweet-and-savory flavor. Slow-cooked with pineapple and chili sauce, they’re perfect for busy days, family dinners, or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
- 900 g frozen beef meatballs
- 1½ cups sweet chili sauce
- 1 can (400 g) pineapple chunks with juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Add frozen meatballs to the crockpot.
- Pour in sweet chili sauce, pineapple with juice, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
- Add sliced bell pepper on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Stir and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
Serve over rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pineapple juice if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
100-Word Quick Version
Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs are a sweet and savory delight! Combine 2 lbs meatballs with 1 cup sweet chili sauce, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and spices in a crockpot. Add pineapple chunks, cook on low 4–6 hours, or high 2–3 hours. Optional: thicken with cornstarch before serving. Serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly comforting, it’s a recipe that brings people together with minimal effort.