If you’ve ever wished for a party appetizer that people actually get excited about, this is the one. These Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just need a fun twist for dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavor with almost zero effort.
I first whipped these up on a whim for a game night, and now they’re a forever favorite. The combo of juicy meatballs, sticky brown sugar glaze, and that hit of pineapple? Magic. Plus, it’s all made in a slow cooker, so your kitchen stays clean and your hands stay free. From tailgates to potlucks to busy weeknights, this easy crowd-pleaser checks all the boxes: minimal prep, maximum flavor, and a whole lot of happy bellies.
Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs
One bite of these pineapple brown sugar meatballs, and you’ll see why this dish has become a regular in our rotation. They’ve got that sweet-and-savory flavor combo that just works, and the prep could not be easier.
- Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you relax (or do everything else).
- Big flavor payoff – The brown sugar and pineapple create a sticky glaze that clings to every bite.
- Party-ready – These are perfect for gatherings, game days, or holiday spreads.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters get on board with these sweet and tangy bites.
- Great for leftovers – They reheat like a dream and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, and why each one matters.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up or tailor the flavor? Here are some easy ideas:
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Combine ingredients in the slow cooker
Toss in your frozen meatballs, crushed pineapple (juice included!), brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and seasonings. Give everything a good stir to coat.
Step 2: Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking if you can.
Step 3: Stir and serve
Once the sauce is bubbling and thickened, give it a final stir. The meatballs should be hot all the way through and coated in that glossy, sticky glaze. That’s it, serve straight from the pot or transfer to a platter.
A Few Helpful Tips
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These meatballs are super versatile, here are a few tasty ways to serve them:
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
FAQ
Enjoying These Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs
Every time I make these pineapple brown sugar meatballs, someone ends up asking for the recipe—and that’s how you know it’s a keeper. Whether it’s game day, a holiday spread, or just a Thursday night, these meatballs bring the kind of flavor that makes you go back for seconds (and thirds). They’re simple, satisfying, and downright fun to eat.
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Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. If you made any tweaks or added your own spin, let us know how it went, we’re all about seeing how y’all make it your own!
Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Meatballs
Sweet, tangy, and irresistible, these saucy slow pineapple brown sugar meatballs are always a hit! If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that crockpot meatballs are the MVP of appetizers. They’re ridiculously easy, budget-friendly, and always the first thing to disappear at any party.
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Pineapple Brown Sugar Sauce
1½ cup pineapple juice
1 ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 ½ cups ketchup
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons corn starch
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅛-¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy!
Meatballs
2 lbs precooked or browned beef meatballs* (fresh or frozen)
2 medium bell peppers (cut into 1/2″ pieces)
1½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
Sliced green onion or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the sauce, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire, cornstarch, garlic, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until smooth and well blended.
- Next, add your meatballs, chopped bell peppers, and pineapple chunks to a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over everything, then give it a gentle stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Pop the lid on and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, until the sauce is thick and the meatballs are warmed through. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
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you might also LIKE TO check out
- USDA – Food Safety and Inspection
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Nutrition Source
- America’s Test Kitchen – Science of Cooking Section
