Sweet & Smoky Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Meatballs
Tender, juicy meatballs slow-cooked in a rich, tangy pineapple barbecue sauce—this easy recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a game-day favorite, or a comforting family dinner over rice, these irresistible meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Pineapple BBQ Sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, milk, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Shape the Meatballs Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making about 20–24 meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs (Optional) For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides for 2–3 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Make the Sauce In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker Place the pineapple chunks in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the meatballs on top, then pour the pineapple BBQ sauce evenly over them.
Cook Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
Serve Gently stir before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks
Spoon over steamed rice or mashed potatoes
Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete meal
Use in slider buns for delicious mini sandwiches
Tips
For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
For a little heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
These sweet and savory pineapple BBQ meatballs are the kind of recipe that disappears fast—so you might want to make a double batch!
