Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs are a delightful fusion of flavors that transport you straight to a tropical paradise with every bite. This dish combines the sweet, tangy taste of teriyaki sauce with the savory goodness of meatballs, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy weeknight dinner option, these meatballs are sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to try making Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully. The sweet and savory balance makes these meatballs a hit for both kids and adults alike, ensuring that everyone around the table will be satisfied. Additionally, this dish is versatile; you can serve it as a main course, appetizer, or even incorporate it into a fun meal prep strategy for the week.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

Creating these delicious meatballs is a breeze! Follow the simple steps below, and you’ll have a dish worthy of a tropical gathering.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Sesame seeds for garnish
Additional green onions for garnish

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Once cooked, serve the meatballs garnished with sesame seeds and additional green onions.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

These meatballs can be served in various ways to suit your occasion. For a casual dinner, serve over rice or noodles, allowing the teriyaki sauce to soak into the grains for added flavor. As an appetizer, you can present them on toothpicks for easy handling at parties. Alternatively, consider serving them as sliders on Hawaiian rolls for a delightful twist.

How to Store Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can warm them up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of additional teriyaki sauce or pineapple juice for extra moisture.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Meatballs

For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming them.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Feel free to customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Variation

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! You can experiment with different ground meats such as chicken or pork for a lighter option. Additionally, try adding crushed pineapple or diced bell peppers into the meat mixture for added texture and flavor. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meat with lentils or chickpeas in the mixture and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen premade meatballs for this slow cooker recipe. Just make sure to increase the cooking time as needed until they are heated through.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free options and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the sauce.

3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Simply refrigerate them separately and combine them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.