Warning: you’ll get addicted to these Hawaiian pineapple BBQ meatballs…

If you don’t usually lick your fork while eating, these meatballs will probably get you to start. I’ve been obsessing over this Hawaiian pineapple BBQ meatballs recipe for months. Now it’s time to come clean and share how freakin’ easy it is to make slow cooker Hawaiian meatballs.

Watch the Hawaiian meatballs recipe again >

Planning a Hawaiian party? Check out ideas for throwing a luau party.

A few unexpected ingredients set these slow cooked Hawaiian pineapple BBQ meatballs apart…

Onions are common in homemade meatballs. But peppers are a special ingredient upgrade you’ll find in this version of slow cooked meatballs. These crockpot meatballs marinade for hours in a sweet and sour sauce that is as simple as it is addictive. The two ingredients? Crushed pineapples and BBQ sauce.

Now, you don’t have to make the meatballs from scratch. Frozen meatballs will do if you’re in a rush. But, if you’ve never made meatballs at home, give it a try. Homemade meatballs are easy to make and don’t take very long. If you can grab a partner, you can have some messy fun.

Personally, I don’t like smooshing raw meat with my hands. So I uncork a bottle of red wine and lure my honey into the kitchen to do the dirty work. Just kidding. He’s a willful participant.

But when I’m making meatballs solo, I stick my hands in ziplock bags and squish. Don’t judge.

These meatballs are served any way you want. I like sprinkling a little grated cheese on top. For a party, serve them with tooth pics, forks, or with a side of hoagie rolls so they can be turned into Hawaiian bbq meatball sandwiches. Yum. Yum.

hawaiian pineapple bbq meatballs in the crockpot meatballs for parties new seasons crusty bread on an italian towel

Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

Meatballs

2 eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped orange pepper
2 tbsp garlic diced
2 lbs ground beef
S+P

Sauce

20 oz crushed pineapple
1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 1-2 rimmed cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Combine meatball ingredients until integrated. Using an ice cream scoop, create balls (1” for small, 2” for large) and set them on the cookie sheets.
Bake meatballs 20-45 minutes, until cooked. Watch them so they don’t dry out.
Make the sauce by combining crushed pineapple and BBQ sauce. Place meatballs in a crockpot and pour the sauce on top. Cook 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally.