Finger-Licking Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Juicy, tender meatballs swimming in a luscious slow cooker sweet Hawaiian teriyaki sauce promise an explosion of tropical flavors.

These bite-sized delights bring the essence of island cuisine right to your dinner table.

Bursting with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, the recipe turns ordinary ground meat into an extraordinary meal.

Each meatball captures the rich, complex flavors of traditional Hawaiian teriyaki with minimal effort.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that requires almost no hands-on time.

Serve these irresistible meatballs over fluffy rice or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Meatballs

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-cooked and convenient protein base that saves time and adds hearty flavor to the dish.

• Ketchup, Teriyaki Sauce, Pineapple Preserves: Creates a tangy, sweet, and rich glaze that transforms simple meatballs into a gourmet experience.

• Brown Sugar, Minced Garlic: Adds depth of flavor with caramel-like sweetness and aromatic warmth that complements the Hawaiian-inspired profile.

Tools You Need for Sweet Teriyaki Meatballs

• Slow cooker: Essential for cooking meatballs with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients quickly and easily.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring meatballs and ensuring even sauce coverage.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce ingredients for consistent taste.
• Serving dish: Ideal for presenting the finished meatballs at the table.

Cooking Sweet Hawaiian Meatballs Low and Slow

• Slow Cooker Preparation

Grab your trusty slow cooker and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance. These Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs are about to become your new favorite crowd-pleaser.

• Sauce Magic

Whip up a crazy delicious sauce by blending tangy ketchup, rich teriyaki sauce, sweet pineapple preserves, caramel-like brown sugar, and zesty garlic. This magical mixture will transform ordinary meatballs into something extraordinary.

• Meatball Immersion

Drop those frozen meatballs right into the slow cooker and blanket them with your incredible sauce. Give everything a gentle stir so each meatball gets totally coated in that tropical-inspired goodness.

• Cooking Transformation

Let your slow cooker work its magic. If you’re in a hurry, crank it to high and wait 4-6 hours. Want a more mellow approach? Low and slow for 6-8 hours will make these meatballs melt-in-your-mouth tender.

• Serving Spectacular

When the meatballs are steaming hot and swimming in that irresistible sauce, you’re ready to serve. Pile them onto a platter as a killer appetizer or nestle them over fluffy rice for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Adjust Flavor in Hawaiian Meatballs

• Mix ground turkey or chicken with beef for a leaner protein option that keeps the classic flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the sweet base into a more complex taste experience.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed pineapple chunks on top to add texture and fresh visual appeal to the finished dish.
• Prepare the sauce and meatballs the night before, store in the refrigerator, and simply dump into the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless dinner solution.
• Store leftover meatballs in airtight containers for up to 3 months, creating a convenient and delicious meal that can be quickly reheated for busy weeknights.

Plating Sweet Hawaiian Meatballs

• Pair with Fluffy Rice: Scoop these tangy meatballs over warm, steamed white or brown rice for a hearty main dish that soaks up all the delicious sweet Hawaiian teriyaki sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or diced pineapple chunks on top to add a burst of color, texture, and extra tropical flavor to the meatballs.
• Create Party Appetizer Platter: Arrange the meatballs on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing, perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings where guests can enjoy bite-sized, saucy goodness.
• Complement with Side Dishes: Serve alongside crisp cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or a light Asian-inspired slaw to balance the rich, sweet teriyaki flavors and create a well-rounded meal.

How to Keep Meatballs Juicy for Later

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to preserve flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated meatballs in the microwave or slow cooker, adding a splash of teriyaki sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Portion and Plan: Divide meatballs into meal-sized portions before storing, making weeknight dinners easier and reducing food waste.

Tantalizing Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering sweet hawaiian teriyaki meatballs deliver explosive flavor from Pacific-inspired ingredients. Tender meat mingles with tangy sauce, creating an irresistible dinner you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bag (32 oz / 907 g) frozen meatballs
• ½ cup (120 ml) teriyaki sauce
• ¾ cup (180 ml) ketchup
• ½ cup (170 g) pineapple preserves
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tsps minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Arrange frozen meatballs in a uniform layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk ketchup, teriyaki sauce, pineapple preserves, brown sugar, and minced garlic into a smooth, glossy mixture, ensuring complete ingredient integration.
3. Coating and Cooking: Drench meatballs thoroughly with the prepared sauce, stirring gently to guarantee even coverage. Set slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4-6 hours), periodically redistributing sauce to maintain consistent heat and flavor absorption.
4. Temperature and Texture Check: Confirm meatballs have reached 165°F (74°C) and sauce has developed a slightly thickened consistency.
5. Presentation: Transfer meatballs to a serving platter, embellishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for enhanced visual and textural dimension.
6. Serving Suggestion: Offer as an appetizer with toothpicks or serve atop steamed white or brown rice to create a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prevent Sauce Burning: Stir meatballs every 2 hours to avoid sauce sticking and burning at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 165°F internally for safe consumption and perfect doneness.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: If sauce remains too thin after cooking, remove lid during last 30 minutes to allow natural reduction and thickening.
• Meal Prep Hack: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months, making them an excellent make-ahead meal option for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg