Crockpot Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs

Ingredients

16 ounces frozen meatballs, or make your own.

1 can pineapple chunks

½ cup brown sugar

18 ounce bottle of Barbecue Sauce, any flavor

1 tsp garlic powder

Pineapple juice from the can

Instructions

Place the meatballs in the crockpot

Pour the Barbecue Sauce and the pineapple chunks over the meatballs

Add in the garlic powder and the brown sugar

Stir to combine well

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or on low four 4 hours.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions for garnish before serving

Enjoy!

Notes:

Meatball Options: You can use store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience or make your own homemade meatballs. If using homemade, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot.

Pineapple Variations: The pineapple chunks add a sweet and tangy flavor. For a different twist, you could use pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, but you might need to adjust the liquid amount accordingly.

Barbecue Sauce Choice: The type of barbecue sauce you choose will influence the flavor of the dish. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or brands to suit your taste.

Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar slightly.

Garlic Powder Substitute: If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use minced fresh garlic or garlic salt. If using garlic salt, reduce the amount of added salt.

Cooking Time: The cooking times are approximate. Meatballs should be heated through and tender. If you’re using a different size crockpot or adjusting the recipe size, cooking times may vary.

Thickening Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stirring it into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Garnish: Chopped green onions add a fresh, crunchy element. For additional garnishes, consider adding sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are great as an appetizer or served over rice or noodles for a main dish. They also work well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

Leftovers Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. The meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen meatballs for this recipe.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen meatballs will take longer to heat through.

You may also want to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to account for the extra moisture released by the frozen meatballs.

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe, like ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat if you prefer.

Ground turkey or chicken would both work well in this recipe.

Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you use, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later.

Just be sure to store the meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce in a saucepan on the stove, then add the meatballs and heat through.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can definitely double this recipe to feed a larger crowd.

Just be sure to use a larger crockpot or divide the meatballs and sauce between two smaller crockpots to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of barbecue sauce if you prefer.

However, keep in mind that different brands and types of barbecue sauce may have varying levels of sweetness, tanginess, and spice, so the final flavor of the dish may be slightly different.

If you’re unsure about how a different sauce will affect the recipe, you can always try a small batch first before making a larger batch for a crowd.