Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *slow cooker pineapple barbecue meatballs*! They are truly a sweet and savory delight that never fails to impress. Picture this: tender meatballs simmering in a luscious barbecue sauce, bursting with juicy pineapple chunks. Seriously, the combination is like a little party in your mouth! I love making these for gatherings because they’re so easy and everyone raves about them. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you! Just throw everything in and let it work its magic while you kick back and relax. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ground beef (you can use lean for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned work well)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (finely diced for even mixing)
- 1 egg (large, for binding the meatballs)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand for that perfect zing)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, just drain if using canned)
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs
Alright, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering slow cooker pineapple barbecue meatballs! First things first, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I love using my hands for this—just make sure they’re clean! Mix until everything is well combined, but don’t overwork it; we want tender meatballs!
Now, it’s time to shape the mixture into small meatballs—about 1 inch in diameter is perfect. Once you’ve got them all formed, gently place them in your slow cooker. Don’t worry if they’re a little crowded; they’ll shrink up as they cook.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and pineapple chunks until they’re nicely blended. Then, pour this delicious mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re all coated evenly; this is where the magic happens!
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for about 4 to 6 hours. I recommend checking around the 4-hour mark to see how they’re doing. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Serve them warm, and watch everyone dig in! Seriously, these meatballs paired with some rice or a fresh salad are just heavenly. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup—just mix, form, and let the slow cooker do the work!
- A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will please any palate.
- Perfect for gatherings, as they’re easy to serve and everyone loves them.
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or even on their own as appetizers.
- Great make-ahead option—just pop them in the slow cooker and relax while they cook!
- Kid-friendly and packed with flavor, making them a hit for family dinners!
Tips for Success
To ensure your slow cooker pineapple barbecue meatballs turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips from my kitchen! First, don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they help keep the meatballs tender and juicy. If you want a little extra kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mix! Also, be sure to check the meatballs around the 4-hour mark; every slow cooker is different, and you want to avoid overcooking. If you’re serving these at a party, keep them warm in the slow cooker on the ‘keep warm’ setting. Trust me, they will disappear in no time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delicious slow cooker pineapple barbecue meatballs, you’ll be happy to know they’re not just tasty—they’re also fairly balanced! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (which is about 4 meatballs):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 1g
Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a nice overview. Enjoy indulging in these sweet and savory delights without too much guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be mindful that they may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them!
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use? I recommend using your favorite brand or style—whether it’s sweet, smoky, or tangy. Each will give the meatballs a unique flavor profile!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and even cook them in the slow cooker a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them gently when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze the meatballs? Definitely! Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with these meatballs? They pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even in a sandwich. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for easy snacking!
Print
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs: 5 Star Delight
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow cooker pineapple barbecue meatballs are a sweet and savory delight.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- In another bowl, combine barbecue sauce and pineapple chunks.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Adjust barbecue sauce to taste.
- Great for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: slow cooker pineapple barbecue meatballs, sweet and savory meatballs, barbecue meatballs recipe
