The Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor.

These slow cooker meatball pineapple smokies deliver an unexpected twist on classic party appetizers.

Sweet and tangy pineapple chunks mingle perfectly with savory meatballs, creating an irresistible combination.

Tender smokies simmer in a rich sauce that develops deep, complex notes throughout cooking.

Every bite promises a burst of tropical sweetness balanced by hearty meat flavors.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.

Serve these mouthwatering smokies and watch them disappear from the table in record time.

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies Flavor Highlights

• Simplify Party Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, giving you more time to enjoy with guests without constant kitchen monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a versatile dish for gatherings and potlucks.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic stirring, ensuring even novice cooks can create a delicious, impressive appetizer with minimal kitchen skills.
• Adaptable Serving Style: Perfect for game days, holiday parties, family get-togethers, or casual weekend snacking, this recipe transitions seamlessly between different social settings.

Ingredients for Pineapple Meatball Smokies

• Frozen Meatballs: Classic protein option that adds hearty texture to the dish.
• Mini Smokies: Small sausage links that provide additional savory flavor and protein.

• Apricot Preserves: Sweet fruit spread that creates a rich, sticky glaze for the meats.
• Barbecue Sauce: Tangy condiment that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Pineapple Chunks: Tropical fruit that brings a bright, sweet contrast to the savory meats and provides juicy bursts of flavor.

Cooking Pineapple Meatball Smokies in Slow Cooker

Step 1: Create Flavor Foundation

Grab your slow cooker and whisk together the sweet apricot preserves and tangy barbecue sauce.

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a rich, delicious base that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 2: Introduce Protein Players

Gently drop the frozen meatballs and mini smokies into the saucy mixture.

Use a spatula or spoon to ensure every single piece gets a generous coating of the delectable sauce.

Make sure no meat is left behind!

Step 3: Kick Off Slow Cooking

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to high heat.

Let the meats simmer and absorb all those incredible flavors for 2-3 hours.

During this time, the sauce will thicken and the proteins will become incredibly tender.

Step 4: Bring Tropical Sweetness

Drain the pineapple chunks and fold them into the bubbling mixture.

The tropical fruit will add a burst of brightness and juicy texture.

Cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes to warm the pineapple and let it mingle with the other ingredients.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, give everything a final gentle stir.

Transfer to a serving dish and watch as your guests dive into this irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner!

Tips for Tender Pineapple Meatball Smokies

• Whisk preserves and barbecue sauce thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended base that coats meats evenly.
• Use frozen meatballs to help maintain moisture and prevent overcooking during the slow cooking process.
• Remove excess liquid from pineapple chunks to avoid diluting the rich sauce and maintain its concentrated flavor.
• Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick that complements the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Keep the slow cooker on warm setting during serving to maintain optimal temperature and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

Pineapple Meatball Smokies Recipe Twists

• Spicy Kick Variation: Replace barbecue sauce with sriracha or hot sauce for a fiery version that adds extra heat to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap meatballs and smokies with plant-based protein alternatives like Beyond Meat meatballs or vegetarian sausages to create a meat-free dish.
• Tropical Fusion: Use mango preserves instead of apricot and add mandarin orange segments for a different tropical flavor profile that still maintains the sweet-savory balance.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Eliminate preserves and use sugar-free barbecue sauce, then serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal option.

Serving Pineapple Meatball Smokies at Parties

• Party Platter Pro: Arrange these savory-sweet morsels on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or casual gatherings.
• Appetizer Elegance: Serve these saucy bites in mini ceramic dishes at cocktail parties, letting guests enjoy the delicious combination of smoky meats and tangy pineapple.
• Game Day Delight: Create a self-serve station with the meatball smokies in a warm slow cooker, surrounded by crackers, crisp vegetable sticks, and extra napkins for a crowd-pleasing football watch party spread.
• Brunch Bonus: Use these meatball smokies as a protein-packed addition to a weekend brunch buffet, complementing egg dishes and fresh fruit platters with their rich, sweet-and-savory flavor profile.

Storage for Pineapple Meatball Smokies Leftovers

• Store any remaining meatball smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce helps keep the meats moist and flavorful during storage.
• Pack cooled meatballs and smokies in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, making meal prep a breeze for future gatherings.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or reheat gently in a skillet to maintain their tender texture and prevent drying out.
• If possible, store the sauce separately from the meats to prevent sogginess and maintain the best quality when reheating.

FAQs

• What are mini smokies?

Mini smokies are small, bite-sized sausages typically made from beef or pork, pre-cooked and commonly used in appetizers and party snacks.

• Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but you might need to adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully heated through and safe to eat.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy sauce with mild sausages makes this a crowd-pleasing dish that children usually enjoy.

• Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake this in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent slow cooker meatball pineapple smokies bring sweet and savory Hawaiian flavors to your table with minimal effort. Packed with juicy pineapple chunks and tender meatballs, this crowd-pleasing dish delivers comfort and excitement you’ll crave at potlucks and game nights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen beef meatballs
• 1 package mini beef smokies (cocktail hot dogs)

Fruits:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) pineapple chunks, drained

Sauce Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) apricot preserves
• 1.5 cups barbecue sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a tangy sauce by whisking apricot preserves and barbecue sauce directly in the slow cooker until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Gently tumble frozen meatballs and mini smokies into the sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the glossy mixture.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to high temperature, allowing the proteins to heat through and absorb flavors for 2-3 hours.
4. Drain pineapple chunks and fold them into the simmering meat mixture, returning the lid and cooking for an additional 20 minutes to warm the fruit and meld the flavors.
5. Once cooking is complete, stir the mixture to redistribute the sauce and ensure even coating before serving hot as an appetizer or party snack.

Notes

• Freeze extra meatballs and smokies in the sauce for quick future meals.
• Swap apricot preserves with orange marmalade for a tangy twist on the flavor profile.
• Use plant-based meatballs and vegan sausages to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
• Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the rich sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg