Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies is a fantastic dish that is perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and cooks hands-free in a slow cooker. The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple combined with savory meatballs and little smokies creates a delightful taste experience. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to throw together the ingredients, making it a simple choice for busy cooks.

how to make Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound meatballs (frozen or homemade)
  • 1 pound little smokies
  • 1 cup pineapple preserves
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

  1. In a slow cooker, combine the pineapple preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
  2. Add the meatballs and little smokies to the slow cooker, coating them in the sauce.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until heated through and bubbling.
  4. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

how to serve Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. For a casual meal, spoon them onto a plate along with toothpicks for easy eating. You can also serve them over rice or alongside some steamed veggies for a more complete dinner. Don’t forget the extra chopped green onions on top for a bit of color and crunch!

how to store Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.

tips to make Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies

  • For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce it.
  • You can use turkey or chicken meatballs as a lighter option.
  • Be sure to stir the mixture halfway through cooking for even flavor distribution.

variation

You can switch out the pineapple preserves for different types of fruit preserves, such as apricot or even mango, to give the dish a new flavor profile. Additionally, you can add bell peppers or pineapple chunks into the slow cooker for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but make sure they are pre-cooked to ensure they heat through properly in the slow cooker.

How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy. However, you can adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or using spicy mustard.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Slow cooker meatball pineapple smokies served in a bowl for a tasty appetizer.

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies

A delicious sweet and tangy dish that features savory meatballs and little smokies, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound meatballs (frozen or homemade) Use pre-cooked meatballs for best results.
  • 1 pound little smokies
  • 1 cup pineapple preserves Can substitute with other fruit preserves.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional) Adds color and crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a slow cooker, combine the pineapple preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
  2. Add the meatballs and little smokies to the slow cooker, coating them in the sauce.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until heated through and bubbling.
Serving
  1. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, let the dish cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months.

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