Ever have one of those days where you want to cook something tasty… but also not cook at all? That was me last Thursday. I was juggling errands, school pickup, and a toddler meltdown. And just when I remembered we had nothing planned for dinner, I remembered this gem: Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs.

This recipe is the definition of a mom win. It’s sweet and tangy with just a little kick, and it practically cooks itself. You toss everything in the slow cooker, and by dinnertime, your house smells amazing, your kitchen stays clean, and your family thinks you’re a genius.

I usually serve these over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice with some steamed green beans on the side. The leftovers (if there are any!) are great for lunch the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen homestyle meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)

• 1 (13 oz) bottle sweet chili sauce

• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat

• Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Add to slow cooker: Place the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker.

2. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice (about 1/4 cup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.

3. Combine: Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Add the pineapple chunks on top.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

5. Serve: Stir gently before serving. Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy!

Sarah’s Helpful Tips:

• Make it a meal: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.

• Party-ready: These are amazing as appetizers too! Keep them warm in the slow cooker during your gathering.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free meatballs and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

• Spice it up: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes if your family loves heat.

• Meal prep tip: Mix the sauce the night before and refrigerate—then dump everything in the cooker the next morning!

Flavorful Conclusion:

Whether you need a no-stress weeknight dinner or an easy party snack, these sweet chili pineapple meatballs check all the boxes. They’re flavorful, fun, and fast (thanks, slow cooker!). This one’s been on repeat at our house lately, and I have a feeling it’ll become a regular at yours too.

Nutrition (Per Serving – makes 6 servings):

• Calories: 390

• Protein: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 23g

• Sodium: 780mg