Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines savory meatballs and smoky sausages with sweet pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe lets the flavors meld together perfectly for sticky, flavorful bites every time.

Ingredients

• 24 oz frozen homestyle meatballs
• 14 oz cocktail smokies
• 20 oz can pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky style works best)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour 24 oz frozen homestyle meatballs straight into the slow cooker. They should still be fully frozen.
2. Step 2: Add 14 oz of cocktail smokies evenly over the frozen meatballs.
3. Step 3: Open the 20 oz can of pineapple chunks and pour the entire contents, including the juice, over the meatballs and smokies.
4. Step 4: Pour 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce evenly over everything. Sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder on top.
5. Step 5: Gently stir everything together in the slow cooker to coat the meat and pineapple with the sauce and seasonings.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Stir once halfway through cooking to ensure even coverage.
7. Step 7: Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. The sauce should be thick and glossy.

Tips & Variations

• Do not drain the pineapple juice; it tenderizes the meat and adds flavor to the sauce.
• Use a thicker BBQ sauce to achieve a sticky, rich final texture.
• Swap BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Try turkey or veggie meatballs for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add a splash of sriracha or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Include diced red bell pepper or red onion for extra color and crunch.
• Garnish with parsley right before serving for freshness and visual appeal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use Italian-style meatballs instead of homestyle?

It’s best to avoid Italian-style meatballs as their flavors don’t blend as well with the sweet and smoky sauce in this recipe. Homestyle or beef meatballs work perfectly.

Do I need to thaw the meatballs before cooking?

No, you can add the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. The slow cooking process will thaw and cook them evenly.

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 82 reviews

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies is a deliciously sweet and savory dish featuring tender homestyle meatballs and cocktail smokies simmered in a sticky pineapple BBQ sauce. The natural enzymes in pineapple juice tenderize the meats as they cook low and slow in a crockpot, allowing flavors to meld into a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe makes a flavorful appetizer or snack, perfect for gatherings and entertaining.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 5–6 hours (low)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meat and Sausages

• 24 oz frozen homestyle meatballs
• 14 oz cocktail smokies

Fruit

• 20 oz can pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky style recommended)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Add Frozen Meatballs: Pour 24 oz frozen homestyle meatballs straight into the black oval crockpot, ensuring they remain fully frozen to start.
2. Add Cocktail Smokies: Place 14 oz of cocktail smokies evenly on top of the frozen meatballs.
3. Add Pineapple with Juice: Open the 20 oz can of pineapple chunks and pour the entire contents, including the juice, over the meatballs and smokies.
4. Add Sauce + Seasonings: Evenly pour 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce over the ingredients, then sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder on top.
5. Mix Gently: Using a long spoon, gently stir everything in the crockpot to coat the meatballs and smokies thoroughly with the sauce and seasonings without breaking up the meat.
6. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5–6 hours. Stir gently once halfway through cooking to ensure even coverage. The sauce will thicken and become sticky as it cooks.
7. Serve: Spoon the meatballs and smokies into a round serving bowl, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with the thick, glossy sauce coating each piece.

Notes

• Do not drain the pineapple juice as it tenderizes the meat and enhances sauce flavor.
• Use a thicker BBQ sauce to achieve a nice, sticky texture.
• Stir only once midway to prevent breaking up the meatballs.
• Choose homestyle or beef meatballs rather than Italian-style for best flavor compatibility.
• Garnish just before serving to add freshness and color.
• For variations, try teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ sauce or add diced bell peppers or onion for color and texture.
• You can prepare the ingredients in advance by mixing them in the crockpot insert, refrigerating overnight, then cooking the next day.

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, cocktail smokies, pineapple meatballs, BBQ pineapple smokies, party appetizer, crockpot recipe, sweet and smoky meatballs