The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and this Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs recipe brings back one of my favorite memories of cooking for family gatherings that felt loud, joyful, and a little chaotic in the best way. I remember learning from my grandmother that food doesn’t need to be complicated to make people smile. It just needs heart. And honestly, that’s exactly what these Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs are all about.
When I first made Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs, my kitchen was a mess pineapple juice on the counter, sauce splashed on my apron but everyone kept sneaking bites before dinner was even ready. That’s when I knew this dish was special. Sweet, tangy, savory, and comforting, these meatballs feel like a warm hug with a tropical twist.
I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking. This recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or just craving something cozy with bold flavor. Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again because they always disappear fast.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, and that’s part of the magic.
- Frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
- Sweet chili sauce
- Pineapple chunks (with juice)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic (minced)
- Bell peppers (optional but lovely)
- Green onions (for garnish)
This simple combination creates a glossy, sticky sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the Meatballs
Place the frozen meatballs directly into your crockpot. No thawing needed busy cooks, rejoice.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and pineapple juice.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Add pineapple chunks and bell peppers if using.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring once if possible.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Once the sauce thickens and the meatballs are tender, garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
These Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs are incredibly versatile:
- Serve over steamed rice for an easy dinner
- Skewer with toothpicks for a party appetizer
- Spoon into slider buns for fun sandwiches
- Pair with jasmine rice or coconut rice
They’re sweet enough for kids and bold enough for adults always a win.
⏱️ Time
| ⏱️ Prep Time | ⏱️ Cook Time | ⏱️ Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 4–5 hours | ~5 hours |
🛒 Ingredients
| 🛒 Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen meatballs | 32 oz |
| Sweet chili sauce | 1 cup |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 can |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup (optional) |
👩🍳 Instructions
| Step | 👩🍳 What To Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Add meatballs to crockpot |
| 2 | Mix sauce ingredients |
| 3 | Pour sauce over meatballs |
| 4 | Add pineapple and peppers |
| 5 | Cook on LOW 4–5 hrs or HIGH 2–3 hrs |
| 6 | Garnish and serve |
📝 Notes
| 📝 Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Use frozen meatballs | Saves time |
| Stir once halfway | Even coating |
| Add peppers late | Keep them crisp |
| Double sauce | Great for rice |
🍽️ Nutrition
| 🍽️ Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|
| Calories: 320 |
| Protein: 14g |
| Carbs: 28g |
| Fat: 16g |
| Sugar: 18g |
Recipe Card
Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs
Sweet, sticky, and slow-cooked to perfection this is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- ⏱️ Prep: 10 mins
- 🔥 Cook: 4–5 hrs
- 🍽️ Serves: 6–8
Conclusion
Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories. Every time I make these Crockpot Sweet Chili Hawaiian Meatballs, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete, full of laughter and love. This recipe is simple, joyful, and made to be shared. Whether you’re hosting or just feeding your family, I hope this dish brings warmth to your table and a smile to your heart.
