Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe (Dump and Go)

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4.72 from 7 votes
Published: February 16, 2021Updated: February 15, 2022Author: Kristen Hills
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Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are one of the easiest and tastiest meals you'll ever make. Dump everything in the Instant Pot and it will do the rest!
Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe (Dump and Go)

What is an Instant Pot?

Haven’t jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet? Well, you may want to consider it just for this recipe alone!

Instant Pot is a seven-in-one multi-cooker that works as an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, warmer, and sauté pan all in one.

Sounds a little too good to be true, but we promise it’s worth every penny!

I haven’t used my slow cooker in weeks, which is saying a lot for this 3-4 times a week slow cooking girl!

Instant pot cooker


Hawaiian MEATBALLS ARE A FAVORITE!

Do you shy away from meatball recipes thinking they might be too complicated or difficult?

The first time we cooked with pre-made frozen meatballs, there was no turning back.

Most store-bought meatballs have been precooked and come in many varieties and flavors that are delicious.

The easiness of these Instant Pot meatballs makes them a highly favored dinner on our meal rotation.


Store Bought Meatballs vs. Homemade Meatballs:

Store bought frozen meatballs have come a long way. This recipe will work great with any brand you find.

Turkey meatballs are a great choice when looking for a healthier option.

Swedish meatballs and Italian meatballs are found in most grocery stores in the frozen food section.

We have used all of the meatballs listed and the recipe tastes amazing with every one of them.

Homemade meatballs are always a win with any recipe.

It will take a little more effort on your part, but the taste is great. We love our homemade turkey meatball recipe.

Related Recipe: Don’t miss out on our Instant Pot Sweet and Tangy Meatballs!

Hawaiian Meatballs – Main Dish or Appetizer?

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.

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs served over rice

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. 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.

Looking for more freezer meals just like this? Click here for our top 100 Instant Pot Freezer Meals!

This Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe is a must try!

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Side dishes for Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Serves: 6 servings

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe

4.72 from 7 votes
Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs are one of the easiest and tastiest meals you'll ever make. Dump everything in the Instant Pot and it will do the rest!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 7 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Print Pin

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.

Notes

  •  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.
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. 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.

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

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

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  1. Debra says:
    July 10, 2019
    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.
    Reply
    • Brandon says:
      January 28, 2021
      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 :)
      Reply
  2. Toni says:
    August 25, 2019
    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.
    Reply
  3. Molly says:
    February 19, 2020
    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
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      February 22, 2020
      Hi Molly. That sound amazing. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!
      Reply
  4. Angela says:
    February 23, 2020
    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!
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      February 27, 2020
      We use frozen meatballs and cook for 7 minutes.
      Reply
  5. Nova Scotia Guy says:
    February 25, 2020
    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.
    Reply
  6. Jacqueline says:
    February 27, 2020
    How can I cook this in a crock pot?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      February 27, 2020
      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.
      Reply
  7. Lindsey says:
    March 9, 2020
    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!)
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 11, 2020
      For this recipe you need 1 (32 ounce) package precooked frozen meatballs and 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks (do not drain)
      Reply
  8. Debby says:
    March 14, 2020
    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?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 18, 2020
      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.
      Reply
    • Angie says:
      July 2, 2020
      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.
      Reply
      • Beth says:
        September 2, 2021
        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.

        4 stars

        Reply
  9. Michelle says:
    March 31, 2020
    I was cooking this from the freezer meals so everything is frozen would the cook time be different?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      April 2, 2020
      Place in your instant pot and cook for 7 minutes!
      Reply
      • Shay says:
        December 30, 2020
        No need to add a bit of water to the IP with the frozen ingredients before cooking?
        Reply
  10. Karyn Peverill says:
    April 5, 2020
    So yummy!,,,
    Reply
  11. Nancy walters says:
    April 7, 2020
    Thanks so much for your ideas and help with meal planning and recipes.
    Reply
  12. Bree Noellsch says:
    April 11, 2020
    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!
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      April 14, 2020
      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!
      Reply
  13. Matthew says:
    May 26, 2020
    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?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      June 2, 2020
      Just dump the frozen bag of ingredients into your Instant Pot and cook for 7 minutes.
      Reply
  14. Katelyn says:
    June 11, 2020
    I made my own meatballs, how long should I set the IP for if they were uncooked?
    Reply
  15. Shorti says:
    June 12, 2020
    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.
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      June 22, 2020
      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!
      Reply
      • Shorti says:
        July 8, 2020
        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.
        Reply
        • Cyd says:
          July 17, 2020
          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!
          Reply
  16. Kimberly Frantz says:
    July 13, 2020
    Can the rice be cooked in the IP at the same time?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      July 17, 2020
      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.
      Reply
  17. Karly says:
    September 7, 2020
    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.
    Reply
    • AnnetteUdey says:
      September 16, 2020
      I was wondering the same thing?
      Reply
      • Cyd Adamson says:
        September 18, 2020
        Because you are mixing the pineapple juice with the brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce. Stir together well.
        Reply
  18. bethy says:
    October 2, 2020
    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?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      October 15, 2020
      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.
      Reply
  19. Bethy says:
    October 2, 2020
    If i serve this as a main dish over rice, what should accompany it? Like a salad or something?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      October 15, 2020
      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/
      Reply
  20. Amy Cameron says:
    October 21, 2020
    I'm brand new to Instant Pot cooking. Does the cooking time increase when you're starting with a frozen meal?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      November 11, 2020
      We will tell you how long to cook the meals for in our posts and videos.
      Reply
  21. LinnyLou says:
    November 4, 2020
    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.
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      November 11, 2020
      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.
      Reply
  22. Lisa says:
    December 9, 2020
    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?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      December 9, 2020
      Yes, just the meatballs are frozen and set Instant Pot for 7 minutes.
      Reply
  23. Charlene says:
    January 18, 2021
    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?
    Reply
  24. Jayceebee says:
    February 24, 2021
    This was so delicious! Now I've got to figure out how to Ketofy it.

    5 stars

    Reply
  25. Sandra says:
    April 26, 2021
    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.
    Reply
  26. Cunningham family says:
    April 26, 2021
    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

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      April 27, 2021
      We are so glad that you liked these easy and delicious meatballs!
      Reply
  27. Angela says:
    May 10, 2021
    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!

    4 stars

    Reply
  28. Mm says:
    July 28, 2021
    What setting do you use??
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      July 30, 2021
      You press Pressure Cook/or Manual (depending on your Instant Pot) to cooke these meatballs. It's in the instructions in the recipe post.
      Reply
  29. Em says:
    July 30, 2021
    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?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      July 30, 2021
      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.
      Reply
  30. Dylan says:
    August 17, 2021
    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?
    Reply
  31. Kristen Hills says:
    September 30, 2021
    I see you've used both sweedish and italian meatballs for this recipe, but which one is actually better in it? Thank you
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      October 1, 2021
      You really can't tell a difference between the two different meatballs in this recipe. They are both delicious.
      Reply
  32. Patricia Bontrager says:
    November 17, 2021
    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!

    5 stars

    Reply
  33. Mae says:
    November 25, 2021
    Can this be made with plant-based meatballs...how did they turn out and is the recipe the same?
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      November 25, 2021
      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.
      Reply
  34. Jamie says:
    January 16, 2022
    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!!
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      January 17, 2022
      So glad you liked the Hawaiian meatballs. They are one of our favorites.
      Reply
  35. Carly Long says:
    January 19, 2022
    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.

    5 stars

    Reply
  36. Lauren Gray says:
    February 28, 2022
    My family and I really enjoyed this recipe! I added a little extra pineapple juice bc my family loves it
    Reply
  37. Sabrina says:
    May 5, 2022
    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!
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      May 9, 2022
      A 32 ounce bag of Frozen Meatballs contains about 80 small meatballs. If they are larger, then you would have fewer meatballs.
      Reply
  38. Rina A. says:
    May 26, 2022
    I love this quick recipe. I didn’t have red bell peppers so I used carrots. It was still great. 😊 Thank you!
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      May 26, 2022
      Carrots are a great idea, and sneak in more veggies!
      Reply
  39. Malinda Martin says:
    June 6, 2022
    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.
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      June 7, 2022
      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.
      Reply
  40. Helen Cherry says:
    June 20, 2022
    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!

    5 stars

    Reply
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