Growing up on the beautiful island of Crete, food was always the heart of our home. I remember those evenings when my grandmother would gather us around the table, sharing stories while the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of her cooking. One of my favorite memories is discovering how a simple mix of flavors could bring so much joy. That’s exactly how I fell in love with Hawaiian meatballs.
Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs are perfect for busy days when you want something cozy, flavorful, and effortless. The sweet tang of pineapple combined with a rich, smoky BBQ sauce creates a melody of flavors that everyone will adore. These meatballs are the kind of dish that instantly makes your home feel warm, inviting, and full of laughter.
What I love most is how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and return to a meal that tastes like it was made with hours of love. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a family dinner, or simply want comfort food that feels special, these Hawaiian meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser. The blend of savory meat, sweet pineapple, and zesty BBQ sauce makes them unforgettable. And yes, using a slow cooker keeps your kitchen tidy no mess, just pure flavor.
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make these. I like keeping things simple but delicious. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant but with a personal, homemade touch. The combination of slow cooker convenience and bold Hawaiian flavors makes this recipe one of my go-tos for busy weeks or casual gatherings.
If you’ve ever wanted to try a dish that’s both comforting and exotic, this is it. The sweet pineapple chunks paired with a smoky BBQ glaze hits that perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the slow cooker ensures the meatballs stay tender and juicy. You can even double the recipe for parties or meal prep it reheats beautifully without losing flavor.
So, let’s get cooking! Here’s everything you need to make your Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs irresistible, step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (8 oz / 227 g) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make meatballs tough. - Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Make the BBQ Pineapple Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, drained crushed pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined. - Slow Cooker Assembly
Lightly spray your slow cooker with cooking spray. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer if possible. Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all coated. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender. - Final Touches
Once cooked, gently stir to coat meatballs in the sauce again. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them over:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice 🍚
- Mashed potatoes 🥔
- Egg noodles 🍝
- As sliders on mini buns for a party appetizer 🍔
You can even serve them with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to make a complete meal. No matter how you serve them, the sweet and savory flavors will shine.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs
- Don’t skip draining the pineapple – too much juice can make the sauce runny.
- Use a gentle mix for meatballs – overmixing makes them dense.
- Optional glaze at the end – for extra sticky sweetness, brush additional BBQ sauce on the meatballs before serving.
- Make ahead – prep the meatballs and sauce the night before, then cook the next day.
Recipe Card 🍽️
⏱️ Time Cook: 4–5 hours on low / 2–3 hours on high
🧺 Ingredients:
- Ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, crushed pineapple, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes (optional), parsley/green onions
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Mix meatball ingredients gently.
- Form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Combine sauce ingredients.
- Place meatballs in slow cooker and pour sauce over.
- Cook low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours.
- Garnish and serve.
📝 Notes:
- Can use half pork for richer flavor.
- Sauce thickens more as it cools—reheat gently if needed.
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Sugar: 12 g
Short 100-Word Version
Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food with a sweet, savory twist. Made with tender beef meatballs, juicy pineapple, and a rich BBQ glaze, this recipe is perfect for busy days or family dinners. Simply mix meatballs, prepare the pineapple BBQ sauce, and cook in a slow cooker for 4–5 hours. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a cozy meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. These meatballs are easy, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible!
Conclusion
Cooking is all about creating memories, and dishes like these Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs are perfect for that. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for a gathering, and full of flavors that make everyone smile. The slow cooker does the hard work while you enjoy the aroma filling your home. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Share it with family, friends, or just savor it yourself you deserve a little delicious comfort every day.