Description
Tender frozen meatballs slow-cooked in a glossy, sweet-tangy pineapple barbecue sauce until sticky and irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs, 2 pounds
- Pineapple Chunks, 1 can (20 ounces), drained with 1/4 cup juice reserved
- Barbecue Sauce, 2 cups
- Brown Sugar, 2 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce, 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes, 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Plug in the slow cooker and set to low.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups barbecue sauce, reserved 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly coat the slow cooker with non-stick spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Assemble the Dish: Add 2 pounds frozen meatballs and drained pineapple chunks to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and pineapple.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbly and thickened.
- Finishing Touches: Stir gently to coat the meatballs in sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes on high.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions and serve hot over rice, in sandwiches, or with toothpicks for appetizers.
Notes
- Use high quality frozen meatballs or pre-cook homemade meatballs for best flavor.
- Drain pineapple well but reserve a little juice to add brightness and help thin the sauce when mixing.
- Stir once midway through cooking to ensure even coating.
- For easier cleanup use a slow cooker liner.
- Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg