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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

Sweet & Tangy Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are sweet, savory, and crowd-pleasing, perfect for gatherings and hassle-free cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs Any breadcrumbs will do
  • 2 large Large Eggs
  • 1/4 cup Milk Non-dairy options can be used
  • 1 small Small Onion Finely minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tsp Salt Kosher or sea salt works best
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce Sweet and smoky variety recommended
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice From canned pineapple
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks Canned recommended
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Can reduce for a lighter version
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce Ensure it's gluten-free if needed
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Optional extra garlic flavor
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger Optional for warmth and complexity
Optional Thicker Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch Mixed with water to thicken
  • 2 tbsp Water Used for slurry to thicken

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Method
 

Meatballs Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, minced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined, then roll into 1-1.5 inch meatballs.
Browning Meatballs
  1. If desired, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per batch.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and optional ground ginger until smooth.
Assemble in Slow Cooker
  1. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, layer pineapple chunks on top, and pour the sauce over everything, stirring gently to coat.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through if possible.
Thickening Sauce (Optional)
  1. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water, add to the slow cooker in the last 20-30 minutes, and stir to incorporate.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, serve warm garnished with chopped green onions or parsley. These meatballs can be served alone or over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For a customizable option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sauces. This dish can be prepared in advance and is perfect for freezing.

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