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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

Savory Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs for Family Fun

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory with these Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs, ideal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 meatballs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 305
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 for great flavor and tenderness
  • 1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 large Eggs for binding
  • 1/4 cup Milk non-dairy alternatives can be used
  • 1/2 medium Onion (finely minced) can use onion powder
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) fresh is best
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika optional
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder optional
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce sweet and smoky is recommended
  • 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice use juice from canned pineapple
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks canned is quickest!
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar can swap with honey or maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce use gluten-free for gluten-free meals
  • 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder optional
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger optional
  • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch optional for thickening

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a spacious bowl, combine the ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, finely minced onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder, mixing thoroughly.
  2. If you'd like to enhance the flavor and texture, sear the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger until smooth.
  4. Lightly grease the slow cooker. Add the meatballs in a single layer, pour pineapple chunks on top, then pour the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring gently halfway through.
  6. If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Serve the Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs warm, garnished with green onions or parsley, over rice or as an appetizer.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These meatballs can be customized for various dietary needs and are perfect for meal prepping.

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