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Frozen meatballs, teriyaki sauce and pineapple chunks make these 3-ingredient crockpot teriyaki meatballs an easy meal or appetizer ready in just 2 hours. These slow cooker teriyaki meatballs with pineapple are a family favorite!
I always keep a bag of frozen meatballs in the freezer. You can use them in so many recipes, and they are a lifesaver on busy days when you need easy dinner ideas. They’re perfect for appetizers, too!
This 3-ingredient recipe couldn’t be easier. Tender meatballs simmered in delicious teriyaki sauce with pineapple added for a touch of sweetness. Yum.
My whole family loves these easy slow cooker teriyaki meatballs — even the picky eater had seconds! This easy dinner recipe also makes the perfect appetizer for game days and parties.
Table of Contents
- 3 Ingredient Teriyaki Meatballs
- How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs in Crockpot
- Cooking Time
- What to Serve with Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs
- How to Store and Reheat
- Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Slow Cooker Recipes with Meatballs
- 3 Ingredient Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe
3 Ingredient Teriyaki Meatballs
You only need 3 simple ingredients for this easy teriyaki meatball recipe. Full amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Meatballs — I use Kirkland brand meatballs from Costco, but any brand of frozen meatballs works. You can use homemade meatballs if you like.
- Teriyaki sauce — Store-bought teriyaki sauce makes this recipe easy to prepare. If you want, you can make homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Canned pineapple — The chunks work best as they don’t water down the tangy sauce too much. You can use fresh pineapple or crushed pineapple if that’s what you have, but keep in mind that the texture of the meatballs will change.
How to Make Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs in Crockpot
- First, spray your slow cooker with non stick cooking spray. You can use a crockpot liner if you like.
- Next, place meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of teriyaki sauce over the meatballs.
- Drain the can of pineapple. You can save some of the pineapple juice if you want to thin the sauce out a little or to add later.
- Place the pineapple on top of the meatballs, but don’t stir it into the sauce.
Keeping the pineapple separate prevents it from turning too brown and absorbing too much sauce.
Cooking Time
Cover and cook meatballs for 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low. Every slow cooker is different, so the cook time may vary with different brands and sizes.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs
I like to serve these crockpot teriyaki meatballs over jasmine rice as a main dish. Top with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor. Fresh broccoli or green beans pairs well with these delicious meatballs. To serve as an appetizer, layer meatballs with pineapple on a toothpick for a fun presentation.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover teriyaki meatballs in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze meatballs in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat meatballs in the microwave until warmed through. If you have a lot of leftover meatballs, you can heat them in the oven or in the slow cooker.
Tips for Success
The flavor of the dish depends on what kind of teriyaki sauce you use.
Look for low sodium teriyaki sauce if you are watching your sodium intake. I found that PF Chang’s brand of teriyaki sauce was lower in sodium than other brands. Use low sodium soy sauce if you are making your own teriyaki sauce.
Jazz up the basic recipe with chopped bell peppers, a little ground ginger for extra flavor and brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you place frozen meatballs directly in the slow cooker. No need to thaw!
Absolutely! This is a great option for entertaining. After cooking the frozen meatballs, place in refrigerator in an airtight container until you are ready to serve. Then, heat in the slow cooker for an easy appetizer.
More Slow Cooker Recipes with Meatballs
For party food or game day appetizers, try my crockpot grape jelly meatballs (I have an Instant Pot meatball recipe too) or my crock pot cranberry meatballs or honey chipotle meatballs. If you’re looking for an easy dinner, try my easy meatball subs or easy slow cooker Swedish meatballs.
3 Ingredient Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple
Equipment
- 1 crock pot
Ingredients
- 40 frozen meatballs
- 14 oz Teriyaki sauce any brand
- 20 oz can pineapple chunks drained
Instructions
- Spray inside of slow cooker with non stick cooking spray
- Place frozen meatballs in crockpot
- Pour teriyaki sauce over meatballs, and stir to coat
- Place pineapple on top of meatballs. Do not stir
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. Stir before serving
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Made this for dinner today! Simple ingredients and what flavor! Wow! Had it over rice and it was a hit with everyone!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Emily. Thanks!