Slow-Cooked Hawaiian Meatballs

These tender meatballs simmer in a sweet and tangy sauce that brings a taste of the islands to your dinner table. Perfect for a cozy night in, they’re easy to make and bursting with flavor.

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TIME4 hr 35 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Meatballs: 1 pound lean ground beef ¾ cup crushed soda crackers ¼ cup finely chopped onion (Optional) 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 clove garlic, crushed (Optional) 1 ¼ teaspoons salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, or more to taste Sauce: 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, or as needed 1 ½ tablespoons water, or as needed 1 (14 ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup vinegar 3 tablespoons soy sauce

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. In a big bowl, mix together the ground beef, crushed soda crackers, chopped onion, eggs, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and ginger until everything is well combined. Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches wide and place them on the baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for around 15 minutes, just until they’re nicely browned.

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Step 2

While the meatballs are baking, combine the pineapple chunks with their juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Let it come to a boil, stirring now and then. In a small cup, mix cornstarch with water, then slowly whisk this into the boiling sauce until it thickens up a bit.

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Step 3

Once the meatballs are ready, transfer them to your slow cooker and pour the pineapple sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and have soaked up all that sweet and tangy sauce. Enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Brown the meatballs lightly before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple or high-quality canned pineapple for the best sweetness.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker too often, as it can extend cooking time and dry out the meatballs.

Why you’ll love it

These meatballs are tender and full of flavor thanks to the slow cooking process. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory sauce creates a perfect balance that is both comforting and exciting. It’s an easy dish that feels special without much effort.

Serving ideas

Serve these meatballs over steamed rice or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. They also pair well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.