Print

Savory Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with Pineapple

slow cooker BBQ meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

These savory slow cooker BBQ meatballs with pineapple combine smoky and sweet flavors for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish perfect for parties, game days, or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • ¾ cup (90 g) breadcrumbs (plain, Italian-seasoned, or panko)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (165 g) canned pineapple chunks, drained slightly
  • 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (recommended Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1½-inch (4 cm) meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, yielding around 20 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs quickly in a hot skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes per side, for extra flavor and crust.
  4. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce with drained pineapple chunks.
  5. Pour a thin layer of the BBQ-pineapple sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the meatballs in a single layer, then pour the remaining sauce over them, coating all meatballs.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until meatballs are tender and infused with sauce flavors. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  7. After 3 hours, gently stir the meatballs to coat again and check liquid level; add a splash of water if too dry.
  8. Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Optional browning of meatballs adds flavor but is not required. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version. Keep slow cooker on low for best texture. Drain pineapple juice but do not rinse to retain flavor. Stir gently halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and breaking meatballs. Prep meatballs ahead and refrigerate if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ meatballs, pineapple, party food, easy recipe, game day, comfort food, savory, sweet and smoky

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-slow-cooker-bbq-meatballs-with-pineapple-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/