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- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: sesame seeds for garnish The ingredients for Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are simple yet full of flavor. Start with ground beef or turkey. Both work well, but beef gives a richer taste. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. Fresh green onions and cilantro add a nice crunch and freshness. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best taste. The teriyaki sauce is the star of the dish. It's sweet and savory, coating the meatballs perfectly. You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a personal touch. Next, the pineapple chunks add a sweet burst. They balance the savory meatballs. Soy sauce and sesame oil deepen the flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice touch. This mix of ingredients creates a dish that is both tasty and fun. You will love how they come together in the crockpot! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You will need: - 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste Mix the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine everything well. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 20 to 25 meatballs. Now, it’s time to cook! First, layer the sauce and meatballs in the crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of teriyaki sauce, 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir gently to mix the sauce. Then, add the meatballs on top. Make sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender when done. Once cooked, stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly. For serving, I recommend putting the meatballs over rice or noodles. This adds a nice base and makes the meal filling. You can also garnish the dish with sesame seeds, more green onions, or cilantro for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To make your meatballs burst with flavor, focus on seasoning. I recommend using fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. If you want a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can swap ground beef for turkey to make them leaner. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce. These tweaks keep the dish tasty and inclusive. How do you know when meatballs are done? They should be firm and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. If you use a meat thermometer, it helps ensure safety. To keep them from falling apart in the sauce, make sure to mix the meatball ingredients well. Form them tightly and avoid overcooking in the crockpot. Choose a large, wide serving dish for a great look. A white bowl makes the colors pop. For garnishing, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Add extra green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch. You can even serve them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. These small details make your dish more appealing and fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and ginger instead of dried. Fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions also enhance the taste significantly. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adding honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter dish or increase the soy sauce for a saltier flavor. Perfect Meatball Size: Keeping your meatballs uniform in size ensures even cooking. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for consistent results. Garnish Wisely: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of additional cilantro right before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out the meat in this recipe. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, use plant-based ground meat. This will give you a similar texture. For a lighter dish, try ground chicken or pork. Both will absorb the flavors well. If you want to make your own teriyaki sauce, it's simple. Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Heat until thickened. For a twist on flavor, add sweet chili sauce or a splash of sriracha. These will add a nice kick! These meatballs taste great over rice or noodles. You can also serve them with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. For drinks, sweet iced tea or ginger ale works well. A light beer or sake also pairs nicely with these flavors. Enjoy your meal! To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. For reheating, use a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of teriyaki sauce for extra moisture. To freeze the meatballs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Seal it tightly and label it. For thawing, place the meatballs in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. In the fridge, these meatballs stay fresh for about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your delicious meatballs at any time! How to make meatballs stay moist? To keep meatballs moist, use a mix of ground meat and breadcrumbs. Add an egg to help bind the mixture. This keeps the meatballs tender. Don’t overcook them. Cook until just done. Can I cook this recipe without a crockpot? Yes, you can! Use a large pot on the stove. Brown the meatballs in the pot first. Then add the sauce and pineapple. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? You can use crushed crackers or oats. Ground almonds also work well. These options add flavor and keep the meatballs firm. Can I use a different fruit? Yes! Try using mango or peach chunks instead. They add a sweet twist. You can even use dried fruits, like apricots, for a unique taste. Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. Use gluten-free soy sauce too. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Can I make it low-carb? Absolutely! Use ground turkey or chicken for lower fat. Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour. You can also skip the rice and serve the meatballs with veggies instead. This blog post covered a simple and tasty meatball recipe. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and variations to suit your taste. Remember that using fresh herbs and spices enhances flavor. You can adapt this dish to meet dietary needs by switching proteins or sauces. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious meatballs any time. Experiment and make this recipe your own for a fun meal experience.

Sweet & Savory Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs

Delicious meatballs cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with pineapple.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 unit egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, green onions, cilantro, egg, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 20-25 meatballs.
  • Place the teriyaki sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and sesame oil in the bottom of the crockpot. Stir to combine.
  • Gently add the meatballs to the crockpot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce mixture.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  • Once cooked, carefully stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly.
  • Serve the meatballs over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds, additional green onions, or cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Serve over rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Keyword crockpot, meatballs, pineapple, teriyaki