Delight your taste buds with the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors in our Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs. These succulent meatballs are smothered in a luscious pineapple barbecue sauce, creating a dish that’s both savory and satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pineapple Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Meatball Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
For the Pineapple Barbecue Sauce:
- Mix Sauce Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed pineapple (with its juice), barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Place the baked meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Pour Sauce Over Meatballs:
- Pour the pineapple barbecue sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the meatballs are heated through and infused with the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Spoon the Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs onto a serving dish. Serve with toothpicks or over rice for a delightful appetizer or main course.
With our Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs, let the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of barbecue sauce meld together. These flavorful and simple-to-make meatballs are a great choice for parties or weeknight dinners that will satisfy everyone. Savor the sweetness and tanginess of this delightful dish while enjoying the ease of use of your slow cooker. 🍍🍖🥖✨