These Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are sweet, savory, and so easy to make — the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’re winning at life.

I first made these during a busy week when I had ground turkey in the fridge and was craving something a little tropical, a little cozy. These meatballs cook low and slow in a naturally sweetened teriyaki-pineapple sauce that’s totally clean and so flavorful. The whole family loves them, and they reheat beautifully for leftovers or meal prep.

Serve them over rice, cauliflower rice, or straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks — yes, they double as an easy party appetizer too!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey or chicken

• 1/4 cup almond flour or oat flour

• 1 egg

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 2 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp rice vinegar

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken)

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, almond flour, egg, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.

2. Lightly sear meatballs in a skillet with a drizzle of oil for 2–3 minutes on each side (just to brown). Transfer to a slow cooker.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, coconut aminos, honey, vinegar, and garlic powder. Pour over meatballs.

4. Add pineapple chunks, cover, and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

5. In the last 15 minutes, stir in arrowroot slurry to thicken the sauce slightly.

6. Serve hot over rice or veggies, topped with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s sweet, sticky, and comforting—but with real-food ingredients that fuel your body and keep your energy up. The slow cooker makes it so easy, and it’s the perfect “set it and forget it” kind of meal for busy days.

This was one of those recipes that helped me break up the routine and get excited about dinner again—without needing a drive-thru or a bunch of steps.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Makes 3)

• Calories: 360

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Fiber: 2g

• Fat: 18g