If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, flavorful, and nearly cooks itself, these Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs will make your weeknight dinners or game day spreads feel extra special. They’re sweet, tangy, and savory — everything you love about teriyaki flavors wrapped up in a tender, juicy bite. Best of all, they come together with just a few pantry staples and your trusty slow cooker.
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Why You’ll Love Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
This recipe checks all the boxes for busy families and comfort food lovers alike. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- Set it and forget it: Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: The pineapple-teriyaki combo hits that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Few ingredients: Made with minimal pantry staples and frozen meatballs.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, family dinner, or party snack.
- Meal prep friendly: Great for making ahead and reheating later.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, these Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are that easy comfort dish everyone raves about.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this sticky-sweet slow cooker favorite:
- 2 lbs frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or keto substitute like Swerve Brown)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Optional: Red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like a hint of spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the sauce base: In a medium bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ground ginger until well combined.
- Add everything to the crockpot: Place the frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks into your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours until heated through and the flavors have blended.
- Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch and water together and stir into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving. Let it simmer with the lid slightly ajar.
- Serve and garnish: Once ready, give the meatballs a gentle stir. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
That’s it — just dump, stir, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
These meatballs are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them right from your crockpot for parties, or plate them up for a family-friendly dinner that feels like a tropical twist on comfort food.
For a hearty meal, serve them over steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or low-carb noodles. The sauce soaks beautifully into grains, giving every bite a burst of tangy-sweet teriyaki flavor. For a lighter option, pair them with roasted broccoli or stir-fried veggies.
Hosting a gathering? Keep them warm in the slow cooker and serve with cocktail picks — they’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds.” Add toothpicks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for presentation.
If you’re meal prepping, pack them into glass containers with some rice or veggies on the side for quick weekday lunches. The flavor actually gets better overnight as the sauce thickens and seeps into the meatballs.
Looking for more cozy crockpot meals? Learn more about our crockpot French onion meatballs for another savory slow-cooked classic.
How to Store Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
These meatballs are just as good the next day — maybe even better. To store, allow the meatballs to cool completely. Transfer them (with sauce) into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to label and date them. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of pineapple juice or water to loosen it up.
Planning a slow-cooked dinner spread? Check out our slow cooker cowboy potato casserole for another effortless comfort food idea.
Tips to Make Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
- Use quality meatballs: Whether homemade or store-bought, choose ones that are firm and flavorful. Turkey or beef both work well.
- Don’t skip the pineapple juice: It’s the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its glossy texture and tropical sweetness.
- Adjust sweetness: Start with less brown sugar and add more if you like it sweeter.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick.
- Low-carb version: Use sugar-free teriyaki sauce and a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Meal prep tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for later. They reheat beautifully.
- Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, onions, or snap peas for color and crunch.
Want another flavorful teriyaki idea? Discover great ideas like our dump-and-go crockpot teriyaki chicken.
Variations of Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Try these fun variations:
- Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs: Swap teriyaki for BBQ sauce and add more pineapple for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Spicy Mango Teriyaki: Use mango juice and add chili flakes for a tropical heat.
- Keto-Friendly Teriyaki Meatballs: Use sugar-free teriyaki and low-carb sweeteners like monk fruit or erythritol.
- Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs: Replace beef or pork meatballs with chicken for a lighter flavor.
- Vegetable-Packed Version: Add diced bell peppers and onions to the crockpot for extra texture and sweetness.
These simple swaps let you keep the ease of the original recipe while giving it your own personal spin.
FAQs
1. Can I make these with homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just brown your homemade meatballs before adding them to the crockpot to help them hold their shape.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
3. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just make sure to include about ½ cup of juice or puree for that extra sweetness.
4. How do I keep the sauce from getting too thin?
If needed, stir in the optional cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken it to your liking.
Final Thoughts
These Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are proof that a few simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. Sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki, and juicy meatballs come together into a dish that’s equal parts comforting and craveable. Whether served over rice, as a party appetizer, or packed for meal prep, it’s one of those recipes that feels both special and effortless.
So plug in your slow cooker, let those aromas fill your kitchen, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’ll make your whole family smile.
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Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Sweet, savory, and irresistibly easy — these Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs combine juicy meatballs with pineapple chunks and a glossy teriyaki glaze for the perfect family meal or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Whisk teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
2. Place frozen meatballs and pineapple chunks in crockpot.
3. Pour sauce mixture over the top and stir.
4. Cook on Low 4–5 hours or High 2–3 hours.
5. Optional: Add cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before serving to thicken.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Serve over rice or as a party appetizer.
Store up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months.
Use sugar-free teriyaki for a low-carb version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg