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Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs with Pineapple

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A cozy and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring juicy meatballs in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce with pineapple chunks. Perfect for busy nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (from canned or fresh pineapple)
  • 1/2 cup honey (clover or wildflower honey)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 can (about 8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, about 20-24 pieces, and place on a tray or plate.
  3. Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for about 2 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and rice vinegar.
  5. Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and scatter the drained pineapple chunks evenly.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook uncovered on high to thicken the sauce.
  8. Stir gently, taste for seasoning, adjust salt if needed, and serve warm with your choice of sides.

Notes

Browning meatballs before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free version. Skip Parmesan or use plant-based cheese for dairy-free. Fresh garlic enhances flavor. If sauce is too thin after thickening, cook uncovered a bit longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, honey garlic meatballs, pineapple meatballs, easy dinner, comfort food, crockpot recipe, sweet and savory meatballs

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/savory-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-with-pineapple-recipe-ideas/