Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are coated in a tangy teriyaki glaze with juicy pineapple chunks for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Enjoy these meatballs as a party appetizer or an easy weeknight meal!
Sweet and Savory Meatballs
What’s better than an easy party appetizer that can also be a tasty weeknight family dinner? I love how these simple Teriyaki Meatballs have both sweet and savory flavors with chunks of pineapple and a savory teriyaki sauce. Throw it all together in the Crock Pot to enjoy later without any hassle.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
A nice balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Make ahead in the Crock Pot to enjoy later.
Only 3 simple ingredients are needed.
Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- Meatballs– Frozen meatballs make this dish so easy. Choose any meat you prefer like beef, turkey, or chicken. You don’t need to thaw them out either. Just throw them in the slow cooker as is.
- Teriyaki Sauce– You can use any brand of Teriyaki sauce you prefer. I used Panda Express Mandarine Teriyaki Sauce in the photographs because I like a thicker sauce to coat the meatballs.
- Pineapple Chunks– Canned pineapple in chunks or tidbits help bring out the sweetness of flavors and balance the sauce. Look for the ones that say “in 100% juice.“
*See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for detailed instructions and a list of ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These meatballs are easy to make. All you have to do is:
- Dump: Add all the meatballs to the bottom of a slow cooker. Then cover with teriyaki sauce and a can of pineapple chunks with juice and stir it all together. You can drain the pineapple juice if you want a thicker sauce.
- Cook: Turn on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
- Serve: These are perfect as is to serve on a toothpick as an appetizer or make it into a meal and serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables!
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
The best part about these meatballs is that they can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways! They taste great by themselves with just a toothpick as a yummy appetizer. Or they can be a main meal and served over plain or fried rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Storage Options
To store: Store cooled meatballs in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Place them in an air-tight container to freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Thaw meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. Then microwave or place in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is so easy because there’s no need to thaw the meatballs. Just add them frozen along with the other ingredients to cook.
Yes, homemade or pre-made sauce works well for this recipe.
When serving the meatballs, leave them in the slow cooker on the warm setting for up to 2 hours before transferring to an air-tight container and place in the refrigerator.
Helpful Tips
* If the sauce is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water and add to the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
* Fresh pineapple can be substituted for canned. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
* Tastes delicious over rice or noodles as a main meal or by itself as an appetizer.
More Delicious Recipes
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Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 1 1/2 cups teriyaki sauce
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in the bottom of a slow cooker and stir together.
- Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. Enjoy!
