How to make Hawaiian Meatballs. Add the Hawaiian meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the top. Then add the sliced pineapple on top and pour the juice over. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. Enjoy pineapple meatballs as an appetizer or serve over rice for a main dish. Top with sliced green onions and more pineapple if desired.
Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls. Sauté meatballs in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 10 minutes. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce: Pour pineapple juice into a liquid measuring cup, and reserve pineapple chunks; add enough water to pineapple juice to make 1 cup.
What sets these easy slow cooker meatballs apart as “Hawaiian” is the sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, vinegar and soy sauce. We also add in a little cornstarch to make it a thick, sticky glaze.
Hawaiian meatballs are cooked and then doused in a sweet and sour pineapple sauce. The sauce covers the meatballs and is filled with deep, rich flavors like brown sugar and then mixed with various peppers.