Hawaiian Meatballs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
10
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Calories
315 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Hawaiian Meatballs
Description
Hawaiian Meatballs combine pre-cooked meatballs with pineapple and barbecue sauce to create a sweet-savory bite-sized dish. The pineapple, either fresh diced or slightly drained canned crushed, contributes a juicy contrast to the smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. Meatballs are coated in this sauce mixture ensuring they absorb flavor while preventing dryness.
The two preparation options allow for flexibility: a slow cooker method relies on low or high heat over 2 to 6 hours, making the meatballs tender and evenly warmed with minimal effort; the stovetop method heats the ingredients more quickly with gentle simmering for about 10 to 15 minutes depending on whether meatballs are thawed or frozen. This versatility means the recipe fits both meal planning and last-minute needs.
The meatballs can be served as a finger food at gatherings or alongside rice or vegetables for a full meal. Garnishing with chopped green onions provides a fresh contrast. Homemade frozen meatballs offer better taste, but selected store-bought options work well. Leftovers keep for about a week refrigerated and can be reheated gently without losing texture or flavor.
Ingredients
- 50 - 60 meatballs store-bought or homemade, pre-cooked, frozen
- 2 1/2 cups barbecue sauce store-bought can be used, but homemade is highly recommended!, homemade
- 1 cup pineapple fresh, diced, or use crushed pineapple from a can, slightly drained
Instructions
Slow Cooker Meatballs:
- Spray the bottom of your slow cooker lightly with cooking spray. Add frozen meatballs to the bottom of pot. Pour pineapple and bbq sauce over meatballs.
- Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Serve warm garnished with chopped green onions, if desired.
Stovetop Instructions:
- Add meatballs, pineapple and bbq sauce to a large pot and stir to coat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 10 minutes for thawed meatballs, or 15+ minutes for frozen meatballs, or until warmed through.
Notes
- Homemade frozen meatballs provide the best flavor, but quality store-bought brands like Costco's Kirkland Italian meatballs are a good alternative.
- When using thawed meatballs, reduce cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- For stovetop cooking, bring to a gentle boil then reduce to low simmer and cover for proper heating through.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to one week and reheat on stove or microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 315 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 315kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 776mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 385mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 175IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.