Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Name: Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 30 min
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

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82 Comments

4.87 from 23 votes

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These tasty Instant Pot Hawaiian meatballs are the easiest recipe you will ever make, dump into the Instant Pot and it's ready in minutes.

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:

A plate of rice topped with meatballs, red bell peppers, and pineapple chunks.

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.

Meatballs with diced yellow and red peppers on a bed of rice.

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.

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

4.87 from 23 votes

These tasty Instant Pot Hawaiian meatballs are the easiest recipe you will ever make, dump into the Instant Pot and it's ready in minutes.

6 servings

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 7

Total Time 30

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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

Equipment

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.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 609 kcal · Carbohydrates: 52 g · Protein: 27 g · Fat: 32 g · Saturated Fat: 12 g · Cholesterol: 109 mg · Sodium: 432 mg · Potassium: 655 mg · Fiber: 2 g · Sugar: 50 g · Vitamin A: 679 IU · Vitamin C: 35 mg · Calcium: 71 mg · Iron: 2 mg

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Cost: $8

Author: Steph Loaiza

Course: Appetizer

Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

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Questions & Reviews

Debra says:

I was unable to find the size of can indicated for the pineapple so I used two 8 oz. cans. I think it may have created less “sauce” than intended. Do you mix the brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce together or do you place those ingredients individually into the Instant pot? I will probably make this recipe again after trying some of your other Instant Pot recipes.
Toni says:

I used a 20 oz can of pineapple. You can add a little corn starch after it’s finished cooking. Remove some of the liquid and a tablespoon to it to thicken, then stir it back in to the whole pot.
Molly says:

I'm going to try this but I was going to try it with sweet sour sauce and ad green onions and bean sprouts on top of rice
Cyd says:

Hi Molly. That sound amazing. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!
Angela says:

Hello! If the meatballs are still frozen, how long should it cook for in the instant pot? By the way, thank you for your recipes and tips! I have just started using the instant pot recently and you guys are amazing!
Nova Scotia Guy says:

I used uncooked frozen meatballs so I pre-cooked them in the IP for 10 mins then mixed everything together and slow cooked it while at work. Felt weird pouring the vinegar in lol.. was apprehensive but Kristen I will not doubt you again! This tasted SOOOO good! I used frozen chopped peppers for extra convenience. I will def be making this on a regular basis! Thanks Sisters! Can't wait to try more.
Jacqueline says:

How can I cook this in a crock pot?
Cyd says:

HOW TO MAKE HAWAIIAN MEATBALLS IN A CROCKPOT Place meatballs in the slow cooker and top with green pepper and drained pineapple chunks. Add pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through.
Cyd says:

We use frozen meatballs and cook for 7 minutes.
Lindsey says:

2 questions, If I halved the recipe would the cook time remain the same? Also, in your YouTube video you showed a 20oz can of pineapple and the typed above recipe says 13.5oz, which is it for the full 32oz of meatballs? (I am 32 weeks pregnant and looking to stock up my freezer! This recipe sounds delicious!)
Cyd says:

For this recipe you need 1 (32 ounce) package precooked frozen meatballs and 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks (do not drain)
Debby says:

Has anyone tried cutting back on the sugar? I'd love to try it, but that sugar is too much for my family. Do you think you could use half brown sugar and half Stevia with good success?
Cyd says:

Stevia-based sweeteners are 200 times sweeter than sugar. ... Stevia-based sweeteners are suitable for baking; however, they can't replace sugar cup for cup in recipes. It's best to leave at least 1/4 cup of sugar in the recipe to help with browning and provide texture. So you may want to cut back so it's not too sweet. Or you can just add in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and call it good.
Michelle says:

I was cooking this from the freezer meals so everything is frozen would the cook time be different?
Cyd says:

Place in your instant pot and cook for 7 minutes!
Karyn Peverill says:

So yummy!,,,
Nancy walters says:

Thanks so much for your ideas and help with meal planning and recipes.
Bree Noellsch says:

This recipe is the bomb-dot-com! I absolutely LOVE it! It's like candy haha. I also accidentally bought crushed pineapple instead of the chunks and loved how it turned out!
Cyd says:

Hi Bree. We are so glad that you like the Instant Pot meatballs. They are so easy to make and are some of our faves!
Matthew says:

If I'm putting all the ingredients in a ziplock bag to prep this ahead of time like one of the YouTube videos that feature this recipe, what is the IP cooking time/instructions like then? Or is it expected that I thaw it out first?
Cyd says:

Just dump the frozen bag of ingredients into your Instant Pot and cook for 7 minutes.
Katelyn says:

I made my own meatballs, how long should I set the IP for if they were uncooked?
Shorti says:

This is the first recipe I've tried from you gals and here are the results.. Dinner for 6/9/2020... Followed recipe except, I did not have the Frozen pre-cooked meatballs so, I made my own, using my.. stuffed burgers recipe, making the meatballs instead of burger patties. Hubby- liked it, no seconds, suggested using flavored rice next time. kid one- liked it, had seconds, but did not like the cooked peppers. kid two- liked it, no seconds. Thank you, I'm excited to try more recipes and get some put together for the freezer.. so glad I was introduced to six sisters.
Cyd says:

We love this! So glad it was a pretty good success! We are so glad you found us and hope you will enjoy our recipes. Let us know if we can help you in any way!
Angie says:

I have used a half cup of brown sugar and it has turned out great every time. I also add a can of tomato soup for a little more sauce. But have always used a crockpot and I’m doing the Hawaiian Meatballs in my new 8qt IP for the first time. This has turned into a family favorite and is definitely in our meal rotation. Wanted to say “Thanks!” to the Six Sisters and their recipes! They really helped during the quarantine.
Shorti says:

Thank you. My hubby and I have recently discovered that he is allergic to a few things, that he has grown up eating and ate on almost a daily basis. So.. I've been on the hunt for recipes without tomatoes, potatoes, garlic and nuts.. all in.. any way shape or form. I didn't think it would be as hard as it has been. Unless I'm just not looking in the right areas.. lol. Thank you again.
Kimberly Frantz says:

Can the rice be cooked in the IP at the same time?
Cyd says:

You will need to cook the rice either before or after the cook the meatballs, not at the same time. :) Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any other questions.
Cyd says:

Oh my goodness. That's hard finding recipes without those ingredients. Best of luck, and good for you taking such an active role on taking care of your sweetheart!
Karly says:

I’m sorry but I have to ask. In the crockpot version why does it say to add drained pineapple chunks but then to add pineapple juice? I don’t understand.
AnnetteUdey says:

I was wondering the same thing?
Cyd Adamson says:

Because you are mixing the pineapple juice with the brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce. Stir together well.
bethy says:

If I use frozen pineapple chunks which I have a ton of and no cans in the pantry, how much would this change the cooking time? I'm going to use a slow cooker anyway so I guess it doesn't matter. What about liquid since there is none in the frozen pineapple?
Bethy says:

If i serve this as a main dish over rice, what should accompany it? Like a salad or something?
Momma Cyd says:

A delicious Fruit salad would go great with these meatballs. Here are a few of our favorites- https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/strawberry-jello-fluff-salad/ https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/greek-yogurt-fruit-salad/ https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/winter-cranberry-apple-salad/ https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/raspberry-pretzel-jello-saladdessert/
Momma Cyd says:

Just add the frozen pineapple chunks. They have enough liquid in them and the slow cooker doesn't need as much liquid as an instant pot. If it looks dry, you could add a little water.
Amy Cameron says:

I'm brand new to Instant Pot cooking. Does the cooking time increase when you're starting with a frozen meal?
LinnyLou says:

Do you put the plastic bag with the ingredients inside....in the insta pot and then cook. I'm confused or do you thaw it first and then place in the insta pot.
Momma Cyd says:

Do not put the plastic bag in the instant pot. Thaw enough that you can dump the contents into the instant pot. Then throw the plastic bag away.
Momma Cyd says:

We will tell you how long to cook the meals for in our posts and videos.
Lisa says:

Thank you for all your guidance! I’m new to the Instant Pot and have enjoyed all of your YouTube videos and Pinterest Recipes. I want to make this tonight with frozen meatballs but the rest of the ingredients wouldn’t be frozen. Should I still cook for 7 minutes or will that be too much time for the non frozen ingredients?
Momma Cyd says:

Yes, just the meatballs are frozen and set Instant Pot for 7 minutes.
Shay says:

No need to add a bit of water to the IP with the frozen ingredients before cooking?
Charlene says:

I am new to the instant pot world. I have an 8 quart instant pot. Do I need to add any more liquid to the recipe?
Brandon says:

Whenever I make this recipe I just dump everything in individually. I don’t mix the ingredients prior. I’ve never had any issues with the amount of sauce after cooking, but I always use the 20oz can of pineapple :)
Jayceebee says:

This was so delicious! Now I've got to figure out how to Ketofy it.
Sandra says:

Wow, was this easy and fast! Ready in 30 minutes start to finish. I did thicken up the sauce at the end and took the suggestion to cut the brown sugar down to half a cup. Not only was not only fast, it was also very tasty and plenty for leftovers. My picky 4 year old approved. We will be making this one again.
Cunningham family says:

Loved how fast and tasty this was even my picky 8 year old ate it. Husband said add it to our quick meal list! Thanks Six Sisters
Momma Cyd says:

We are so glad that you liked these easy and delicious meatballs!
Angela says:

This recipe has really good flavor, easy to follow the recipe, and comes together quickly. It comes out really runny, so I’m still trying to add cornstarch when done and getting it to the right consistency. I did 2 tablespoons and I think I’ll try 4 next time. Thank you!
Mm says:

What setting do you use??
Em says:

I'm making this for friends that just had their first baby :) One question: do you need to mix the vinegar, brown sugar, etc. together before you put them in the bag to freeze?
Momma Cyd says:

HOW TO TURN THIS INTO A FREEZER MEAL: Place meatballs, pineapple chunks with juice, red bell pepper, brown sugar, white vinegar, and soy sauce into a gallon-sized freezer bag. You can mix in together in the freezer bag.
Momma Cyd says:

You press Pressure Cook/or Manual (depending on your Instant Pot) to cooke these meatballs. It's in the instructions in the recipe post.
Dylan says:

I tried this last night and I must have done something wrong. The end result was not very good I thought. It tasted way sour and vinegary. Did anyone else, did I do something wrong?
Beth says:

Thank you so much for posting that you add a can of tomato soup. I too prefer extra sauce to serve over rice as well. I was worried about it tasting like tomato soup, but it still taste like any other sweet and sour sauce! Thanks so much! I will continue to use this recipe with the addition of a can of tomato soup in the future.
Kristen Hills says:

I see you've used both sweedish and italian meatballs for this recipe, but which one is actually better in it? Thank you
Momma Cyd says:

You really can't tell a difference between the two different meatballs in this recipe. They are both delicious.
Patricia Bontrager says:

This was seriously easy to put together and really delicious! I made the rice in my instant pot at the same time (in a separate bowl on a stand on top of the meatballs), so everything was ready at the same time. So easy! I'm definitely going to keep this recipe on hand for busy nights when I have to work late. Thanks so much for sharing!
Mae says:

Can this be made with plant-based meatballs...how did they turn out and is the recipe the same?
Momma Cyd says:

Any type of meatballs should work with this recipe. The main thing is if they can hold up in the slow cooker. The ones we used in this recipe are premade from the store. Are your plant based meatballs frozen from the grocery store? Are they homemade and already cooked and then frozen? If so, they should hold up fine.
Jamie says:

This was a hugh hit in my house!! I lowered the sugar amount by 1/4 cup and added chopped onion. I served it over rice. We will definitely be adding this to the rotation!!
Momma Cyd says:

So glad you liked the Hawaiian meatballs. They are one of our favorites.
Carly Long says:

I love this recipe so much! So easy and quick to prepare stovetop, crock pot or instant pot. A real family favorite I always keep a bag or two in the freezer for busy nights.
Lauren Gray says:

My family and I really enjoyed this recipe! I added a little extra pineapple juice bc my family loves it
Sabrina says:

I'm wondering how many meatballs to make. I try to be careful with store bought because of additives and preservatives and things like that so I'd rather make my own. Approximately how many meatballs should I make? Thanks!
Momma Cyd says:

A 32 ounce bag of Frozen Meatballs contains about 80 small meatballs. If they are larger, then you would have fewer meatballs.
Rina A. says:

I love this quick recipe. I didn’t have red bell peppers so I used carrots. It was still great. 😊 Thank you!
Momma Cyd says:

Carrots are a great idea, and sneak in more veggies!
Malinda Martin says:

When using as a freezer meal does it need to be completely thawed first? I’m looking for freezer meals that don’t need to be thawed as I don’t always have advanced warning with needing an emergency supper.
Momma Cyd says:

No, you do not need to thaw first. You can place in the fridge the night before or morning of that day and let thaw a little, or you can dump in frozen. When frozen it will take the Instant Pot a little longer to come to pressure than if it was thawed.
Helen Cherry says:

I found this recipe on YouTube as a "prep" recipe for when I had my rotator cuff surgery almost 3 years ago. Since then, it has been a regular in the rotation for the guys meals, and frequently requested! I, personally, have not eaten it as I am vegetarian so cannot comment on taste, but when I asked them for suggestions or tweaks, they told me not to change anything, leave it as it, and if there are left overs, they are usually jockeyed for the next day!
Momma Cyd says:

This is one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes.
Angel says:

What if the meatballs are already heated up how long do I cook it all in the crockpot then
Robin Anderson says:

I love this recipe and easy
Momma Cyd says:

The frozen meatballs we use are pre-cooked. You need to be sure that the peppers are cooked through.
Pam says:

If you half the recipes does the cook time change?
Momma Cyd says:

The cook time will stay the same.
Steph says:

I made this recipe for dinner last night and it was a HIT! Will definitely make it again. I followed the recipe exactly except I added a cornstarch slurry at the end to help thicken the sauce. It was great!
Momma Cyd says:

So glad you liked it. It is one of our family favorites!
WE says:

Tried to leave a big review, and the captcha ran out and the page reloaded on me. Bummer. Here’s the lowdown: Classic American fare, nothing fancy, but suuuuper easy and tasty. My family really liked it. I used Impossible Meatballs, and they were great in it. Next time I’m adding a couple more bell peppers - there was plenty of sauce.
Colleen Leontovich says:

Best recipe! Full of summer flavors!