Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with our Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs. This easy and flavorful dish combines tender meatballs with a luscious pineapple barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or main course. Let your slow cooker do the work as the ingredients meld together to create a deliciously saucy delight. Get ready to enjoy the convenience and taste of these pineapple-infused meatballs!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Pineapple Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
Instructions:
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with p archment paper.
- 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:
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Pour the pineapple barbecue sauce into the slow cooker.
- Add Cooked Meatballs:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the slow cooker with the pineapple barbecue sauce.
- Add Pineapple Chunks:
- Add drained pineapple chunks to the slow cooker, ensuring they are well distributed among the meatballs.
- Cook Slowly:
- Set the slow cooker to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
For Serving:
- Garnish (Optional):
- Before serving, garnish the Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Spoon the saucy meatballs over rice, noodles, or serve them as a delicious appetizer. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness in every bite.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs are an irresistible combination of sweet and savory. Tender meatballs in a luscious pineapple barbecue sauce create a flavorful dish fit for any occasion. These slow-cooked meatballs are sure to please whether served as a main course or as an appetizer. Share the joy of this simple and delectable recipe with your friends and family. 🍍🍖🌶️✨