
Are you intimidated by meatball recipes? The first time we cooked with premade frozen meatballs, there was no turning back. Most store-bought meatballs are precooked and come in many varieties and delicious flavors. We love the easiness of these meatballs for a quick party-ready appetizer or weeknight meal.
Recipe Ingredient Notes
To make Instant Pot Hawaiian meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
- Frozen meatballs (32 oz package), precooked
- Pineapple chunks (1 can), do not drain
- Red bell pepper
- Brown sugar
- White vinegar
- Soy sauce
Equipment Notes
For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:

How to Make Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
- Place meatballs in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Top with the pepper and undrained pineapple chunks. Add brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the knob to SEALING.
- Push PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL and set the timer for 7 minutes.
- Turn the knob to VENTING when it is done counting down. Remove the lid, stir, and serve over rice.
Store-Bought Meatballs vs. Homemade Meatballs
Store-bought meatballs have come a long way with lots of options. Turkey meatballs are a great, healthier choice. Swedish or Italian meatballs can be found in most grocery stories frozen food section. This recipe will work with any brand you find. We’ve used the brand listed in the recipe card. If you have the time, homemade meatballs will always work.
Serving Suggestions
These Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs can easily double as a main dish and appetizer. If serving it as a main dish, we love to serve it over a bed of cooked rice. If using this as an appetizer for a party, serve with some toothpicks. They can be served directly out of your Instant Pot. You could also put them in a nice serving dish and let your guests serve themselves.

Freezer Meal Modification
- Place meatballs, pineapple chunks with juice, red bell pepper, brown sugar, white vinegar, and soy sauce into a gallon-sized freezer bag. Place freezer bag into freezer and it will last up to 90 days.
- When ready to use, dump ingredients from bag into Instant Pot and add 1 cups of beef broth or water in with the frozen food.
- Place the lid on top, move the valve to SEALING, and press the MANUAL button. Set timer for 7 minutes. Do a QUICK RELEASE when the timer is done.
Enjoy More Delicious Hot Appetizers
Whether meatballs, chicken wings, nachos, or quesadillas, there’s nothing to start out a party better than an appetizer. Browse our comprehensive list of hot appetizer recipes.
- Honey Sriracha Ground Turkey Meatballs
- Instant Pot Italian Meatballs
- Porcupine Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Sweet and Tangy Meatballs
- Sweet Polynesian Meatballs

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs, 1 package, precooked
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks, 1 can, do NOT drain
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup white vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Place meatballs in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Top with the pepper and undrained pineapple chunks. Add brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the knob to SEALING.
- Push PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL and set the timer for 7 minutes.
- Turn the knob to VENTING when it is done counting down. Remove the lid, stir, and serve over rice.
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