Get ready to transform your potluck spread or busy weeknight meal with these irresistible Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs. The savory-sweet combination will send your taste buds on a mini vacation, and the set-it-and-forget-it style cooking makes life oh-so-easy. Best of all, you only need three simple ingredients to whip up these bite-sized delights!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (fully cooked)
- 1 can (about 20 oz.) crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
Instructions
These meatballs come together in a flash. First, grab your trusty slow cooker and lay down half of your frozen meatballs. Pour in half of the teriyaki sauce, followed by half of the crushed pineapple and its juice. Layer the remaining meatballs on top, then add the rest of your teriyaki sauce and pineapple. Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Let the meatballs simmer and soak up that tropical taste for about 3 to 4 hours. If you prefer a shorter cook time, set it to high and keep an eye out around the 2-hour mark.
As they cook, the sweetness of the pineapple marries beautifully with the salty tang of the teriyaki sauce—leaving each little meatball infused with bright, bold flavor. Stir gently every so often to make sure everything is well combined, but don’t stress if you forget—this recipe is wonderfully forgiving. When you’re just about ready to serve, give them a stir to make sure every meatball is thoroughly coated in that glossy pineapple teriyaki sauce.
This quick and tasty recipe is a lifesaver for anyone looking for a hassle-free appetizer or a fun twist on dinner. It’s an ideal choice if you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or simply craving something with a sweet-and-savory kick. Looking to switch things up? Try turkey or plant-based meatballs for a leaner or vegetarian approach. You can also add a dash of chili flakes for subtle heat or top with sliced green onions for extra color. However you choose to enjoy these, they’re sure to be a hit. Bring a little island comfort to your table with these juicy, easy-to-love Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
