Name: Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken work great); 1 can (20 oz pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup)); 1 large red bell pepper (chopped); ½ cup BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp minced garlic; Optional: green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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Let’s be honest we all love a recipe that tastes like you spent hours on it… but really took 10 minutes of prep. That’s where these Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs come in.

They’re juicy, tangy sweet, and made with frozen meatballs (no judgment here), pineapple, and bell peppers all simmered in a sauce that’s sticky, flavorful, and totally addictive. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, serving party snacks, or just want a fun twist for dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.

And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

What Are Hawaiian Meatballs?

Hawaiian meatballs are tender meatballs slow cooked in a pineapple-based sauce that blends sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. They often include:

Pineapple chunks (and juice!)
Soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar
Colorful bell peppers
And sometimes a kick from BBQ or chili sauce

They’re a classic crowd pleaser whether served over rice or straight off a toothpick.

Ingredients for Crockpot Hawaiian meatballs recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need For Crockpot Hawaiian Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tropical treat:

32 oz frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken work great)
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup)
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp minced garlic
Optional: green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Tip: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to give it a smoky twist.

How to Make Hawaiian Meatballs in a Crockpot

Set it and forget it. That’s our kind of cooking.

Add everything to the crockpot
Dump in the meatballs, pineapple (with juice), chopped pepper, sauces, sugar, and garlic.
Stir gently to coat
Use a spatula to mix everything together. It’s okay if it’s not perfect.
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours
The sauce will thicken and get deliciously sticky as it simmers.
Serve hot!
Over rice, in a bowl, or right off the toothpick.

How to Serve Them

These meatballs are super versatile, so serve them however your heart (or hunger) desires:

Dinner idea: Over steamed white rice or cauliflower rice
Appetizer style: With toothpicks at a party or potluck
Sliders: Piled on small buns for sweet and savory meatball sliders
Meal prep: Store in containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches

Storage & Freezer Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
Reheat: Microwave or reheat on the stove with a splash of water

Hawaiian meatballs served over steamed rice with green onions

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	28 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	18 g
Protein	15 g
Total Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Cholesterol	55 mg
Sodium	720 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	2 mg

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for Crockpot Hawaiian meatballs?

Yes! Frozen fully cooked meatballs are perfect for this recipe. They save time and absorb the sweet and tangy Hawaiian sauce while slow cooking. No need to thaw just toss them in.

How long do I cook Hawaiian meatballs in the slow cooker?

Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened. Stir once halfway through if possible.

Are Hawaiian meatballs gluten-free?

To make them gluten free, use gluten free meatballs, gluten free soy sauce or tamari, and a gluten free BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce. Always double check product labels.