Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs Slow Cooker Recipe for Family Meals

Slow cooker sweet Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs bring a tropical twist to classic comfort food that instantly enhances your dinner routine.

These delectable spheres of savory goodness combine tender meat with an irresistible sauce that dances between sweet and tangy flavors.

Packed with rich umami notes and a hint of island-inspired zest, the dish offers a delightful culinary experience that breaks free from ordinary meal preparations.

Soft, juicy meatballs absorb the complex teriyaki glaze, creating a mouthwatering combination that feels both familiar and exotic.

The slow cooker method ensures maximum flavor infusion while keeping the meat incredibly moist and succulent.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of ingredients that elevates a simple protein into something truly memorable.

Prepare to wow your family and impress your dinner guests with this easy yet spectacular meal solution.

Why Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs Are Crowd-Pleasers

• Effortless Flavor Explosion: These sweet Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs deliver a mouthwatering blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors without complicated cooking techniques.
• Convenient Slow Cooker Magic: Simply dump ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy these meatballs as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during game day or transform them into a satisfying main course by serving over fluffy rice, offering flexibility for different dining occasions.
• Tropical Taste Adventure: The combination of pineapple preserves and teriyaki sauce creates a delightful Hawaiian-inspired taste that transports your taste buds to a sunny, relaxed culinary paradise.

Ingredients That Make Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs Shine

• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient pre-made protein base with rich flavor and easy preparation.

• Ketchup, Teriyaki Sauce: Provides tangy base with sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Pineapple Preserves: Adds tropical sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances caramelization and deepens overall sauce sweetness.

• Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional savory undertone to the dish.

How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Explosion

• Ketchup
• Teriyaki sauce
• Pineapple preserves
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic

Whisk the ingredients until they create a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Place frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauce and Coat

Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs.

Gently stir to ensure every meatball is completely covered in the delicious mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 4-6 hours.

Stir occasionally to keep meatballs evenly coated and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbling, they’re ready to serve.

Enjoy as a tasty appetizer or serve over fluffy rice for a complete meal.

Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Juicy Meatballs with a Sweet Teriyaki Glaze

• Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding meatballs to ensure easy cleanup and prevent burning.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced for a more robust, authentic taste that enhances the Hawaiian teriyaki profile.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: If the sauce seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to thicken.
• Garnish for Wow Factor: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving to add a fresh, crunchy texture and visual appeal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce mixture the night before and store in the refrigerator, so you can quickly dump and start cooking in the morning for a hassle-free meal.

Store and Reheat Teriyaki Meatballs Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, where they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days. Store meatballs with sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze extra portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated meatballs gently in the microwave at 50% power, stirring halfway through, or warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Great Sides for Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

• Boost Flavor with Tropical Rice Companion: Serve these sweet Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs over coconut jasmine rice to amplify the tropical notes and create a harmonious flavor profile that complements the dish's Hawaiian-inspired essence.
• Perfect Wine Pairing for Tangy Meatballs: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to balance the teriyaki's tanginess and match the meatballs' rich, sweet-savory character.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Pair with a cold Hawaiian-style fruity mocktail or light beer like a pale ale to cut through the meatballs' richness and provide a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Veggie Side Harmony: Serve alongside a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw or roasted pineapple chunks to add texture and echo the dish's sweet and tangy Hawaiian theme, creating a well-rounded meal with complementary flavors.

Different Takes on Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

• Hawaiian Pineapple Beef Sliders: Transform meatballs into slider sandwiches by placing them on small Hawaiian rolls with extra teriyaki glaze and fresh pineapple chunks.
• Spicy Tropical Meatball Skewers: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce and thread meatballs onto skewers with grilled pineapple and bell pepper pieces for a zesty barbecue-style appetizer.
• Asian-Fusion Rice Bowl: Create a hearty meal by serving meatballs over coconut rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of additional teriyaki sauce for extra flavor complexity.
• Meatball Lettuce Wraps: Serve meatballs in crisp butter lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts for a lighter, low-carb alternative that maintains the Hawaiian-inspired taste profile.

Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hawaiian teriyaki meatballs bring tropical paradise to your dinner table with minimal effort. Juicy pork and beef blend perfectly with sweet pineapple glaze, creating an irresistible meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Protein:

• 1 bag (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen meatballs

Sauces and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ½ cup pineapple preserves
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Aromatics:

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

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Instructions

1. Nestle the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, creating an even layer across the bottom of the appliance.
2. Combine ketchup, teriyaki sauce, pineapple preserves, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a small mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the ingredients form a smooth, glossy sauce.
3. Carefully drizzle the prepared sauce over the meatballs, gently stirring to ensure each meatball is completely and uniformly coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.
4. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the meatballs to simmer for 6 to 8 hours (or on high temperature for 4 to 6 hours), periodically stirring to redistribute the sauce and guarantee consistent heating.
5. After the cooking duration, verify the meatballs have reached a uniform internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Transfer the succulent meatballs to a serving platter, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal and texture.
7. Serve immediately as a delectable appetizer alongside toothpicks, or arrange over steamed white rice or brown rice to transform the dish into a satisfying main course.

Notes

• Freezer-friendly meatballs transform into a delicious meal with minimal prep time and maximum flavor.
• Sweet and tangy sauce combines classic Hawaiian-inspired ingredients for an irresistible taste experience.
• Slow cooking method allows meatballs to absorb rich teriyaki glaze, ensuring tender and juicy results.
• Perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners with flexible serving options.
• No need to thaw frozen meatballs – toss them directly into the slow cooker for convenient cooking.
• Versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack that appeals to all ages.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg