The Story & Intro
Every time I make Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs, I’m taken straight back to my childhood kitchen in Crete. I can still see my grandmother smiling as she stirred a pot on the stove, telling me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated it just needs heart. Back then, we didn’t have slow cookers, but we had patience, conversation, and dishes that slowly came together while stories filled the air.
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has always been my love language. I grew up learning traditional Greek recipes from my grandmother, dishes full of warmth, flavor, and intention. Today, even though my kitchen looks a little different, that same feeling guides me especially when I make comforting crowd-pleasers like Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs.
This recipe is one of my favorites when I want something easy, joyful, and guaranteed to bring people together. The sweet pineapple, tangy BBQ sauce, and tender meatballs simmering slowly remind me that food is about sharing happiness. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a family gathering, or just want a cozy dinner, Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs always feel like a warm hug.
I love how simple this recipe is. You just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy the smells filling your home. It’s perfect for busy women who still want to serve something special and yes, even if your kitchen gets a little messy like mine, that’s part of the fun.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these irresistible Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
- Frozen beef or turkey meatballs
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- Pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- Pineapple juice
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Green bell pepper, sliced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs couldn’t be easier. This is the kind of recipe that lets you relax while dinner cooks itself.
- Spray your slow cooker lightly with nonstick spray.
- Add the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker no thawing needed.
- Pour the BBQ sauce and pineapple juice over the meatballs.
- Add pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion on top.
- Sprinkle in soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
- Gently stir everything together until well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Stir once halfway through cooking for even flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy every sweet-and-savory bite.
Serving Suggestions
One of the things I adore about Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs is how versatile they are. You can serve them in so many ways depending on the occasion.
- Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal
- Spoon them into slider buns for easy party sandwiches
- Pair with toothpicks for a fun appetizer
- Add a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables
- Serve alongside macaroni and cheese for ultimate comfort food
These meatballs disappear fast, so I always make extra!
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes ⏱️ | 4–5 hours 🕰️ | About 5 hours |
🛒 Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen meatballs 🥩 | 32 oz |
| BBQ sauce 🍖 | 1 ½ cups |
| Pineapple chunks 🍍 | 1 ½ cups |
| Pineapple juice 🧃 | ½ cup |
| Bell peppers 🫑 | 2 cups sliced |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 medium |
| Soy sauce 🥢 | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar 🍯 | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder 🧄 | 1 tsp |
👩🍳 Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Add meatballs to slow cooker |
| 2️⃣ | Pour sauces and juice |
| 3️⃣ | Add veggies and pineapple |
| 4️⃣ | Stir gently |
| 5️⃣ | Cook low 4–5 hours |
| 6️⃣ | Serve warm |
📝 Notes
| Tip 💡 |
|---|
| Use turkey meatballs for a lighter option |
| Add chili flakes for heat 🌶️ |
| Double recipe for parties 🎉 |
🍽️ Nutrition
| Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories: ~320 |
| Protein: 14g |
| Carbs: 28g |
| Fat: 16g |
Conclusion
Whenever I serve Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Meatballs, I see smiles around the table and that’s everything to me. This recipe reminds me why I love cooking: it’s not just about feeding people, it’s about creating moments. From my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this dish brings warmth, laughter, and a little sweetness into your home. Cook slowly, share generously, and enjoy every bite.
