Brown Sugar Pineapple Hawaiian Meatballs

The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

Now let me tell you about Brown Sugar Pineapple Hawaiian Meatballs, a recipe that instantly transports me to sunshine, laughter, and laid-back gatherings. The very first time I made these, it was for a summer potluck where everyone promised to “just try one.” Well… the dish came home completely empty 😄. That sweet caramelized brown sugar, the tangy pineapple, and the savory meatballs come together in a way that feels like a mini vacation in every bite.

I love Brown Sugar Pineapple Hawaiian Meatballs because they’re effortless yet impressive. They’re sweet, sticky, juicy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party food, or an easy weeknight dinner over rice, this recipe never fails to make people hover around the slow cooker.

If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing recipe that tastes like sunshine, these Brown Sugar Pineapple Hawaiian Meatballs are exactly what you need. Cozy, tropical, and wildly addictive let’s make them together 💛🍍

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these Hawaiian-inspired meatballs to life:

• Frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey all work beautifully)
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with juice)
• Brown sugar (light or dark — both are delicious)
• Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated (optional but amazing)
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Simple ingredients, big flavor my favorite kind of recipe 😍

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the Meatballs

Place the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker or large skillet. No need to thaw we’re keeping things easy!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Taste it. Smile. Taste again 😋

Step 3: Pour & Cook

Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re fully coated.

• Slow cooker: Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours
• Stovetop: Simmer gently for 25–30 minutes

Step 4: Add Pineapple

Stir in the pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes so they stay juicy and vibrant.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it in. Let the sauce bubble until glossy and thick.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Try not to eat them all straight from the pot 😉

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: About 4 hours 10 minutes

Perfect for busy days or stress-free entertaining ✨

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These Brown Sugar Pineapple Hawaiian Meatballs are incredibly versatile:

• Serve over fluffy white rice or jasmine rice 🍚
• Pair with coconut rice for extra island vibes 🥥
• Stick toothpicks in them for party appetizers
• Add them to slider buns for Hawaiian meatball sandwiches
• Serve alongside roasted veggies or a crisp salad

No matter how you serve them, expect compliments 💬💛

📝 Notes

• Dark brown sugar gives a deeper caramel flavor
• Fresh pineapple adds brightness, but canned works great
• Turkey meatballs make it lighter without losing flavor
• Double the recipe they disappear fast

🍽️ Nutrition

• Calories: Moderate and satisfying
• Protein: High from meatballs
• Sugar: Balanced with savory flavors
• Comfort Level: Extremely high 😄

📋 Recipe Card

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Pineapple Hawaiian Meatballs are everything I love about American comfort food with a tropical twist. They’re easy, joyful, and made for sharing the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table with sticky fingers and big smiles.

From my French heart to your kitchen, I hope this recipe brings warmth, laughter, and maybe even a little escape to island time 🌴💛