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Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple teriyaki sauce in the slow cooker. Perfect for appetizers or a simple weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Calories: 2104
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 pound Frozen, fully cooked meatballs Beef or a mix
Teriyaki Sauce
  • 15 ounces Crushed pineapple Undrained
  • 1 cup Teriyaki sauce Bottled, ready-made
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar Packed
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Low sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch For thickening
  • 1 tablespoon Water To mix with cornstarch
Garnish (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup Green onions Sliced, for topping

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Place the frozen meatballs directly into the basin of a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple (with juice), teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar until combined.
  3. Pour the pineapple teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, or until the meatballs are heated thoroughly.
  5. When cooking time is nearly complete, mix the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water in a small cup to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
  6. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  7. Taste the sauce if desired, and adjust seasoning (a dash more soy sauce if needed). Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving warm with toothpicks or over rice.

Notes

For a fresher flavor, you can quickly sauté 1/2 cup of diced fresh onion and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger in a bit of sesame oil before adding the sauce ingredients to the crockpot. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to 1/8 cup.