This fast and easy dinner is one of our favorite weeknight meals. With a homemade sauce that uses sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce, you get the perfect balance of sweet yet tangy. Add in the tender peppers and pineapple, serve it over rice, and you’ve got yourself a rockstar meal for your busiest nights.
Reader review (callout): “Loved how fast and tasty this was even my picky 8 year old ate it. Husband said add it to our quick meal list!” – Cunningham Family
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy Instant Pot Meatball recipe is a fan favorite, and we know you’ll love it too! Here’s why:
- Works as an appetizer OR as a main dish.
- It’s a dump-and-go meal (no pre-cooking required!)
- Made with frozen meatballs (less work for you, great for busy nights)
- Cooks in just 7 minutes (the longest part is just waiting for your Instant Pot to pressurize)
- Can be made into a freezer meal quickly (see note below)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Meatballs. You need 32 ounces of frozen meatballs for this recipe. We have used both Italian style and homestyle with great results. You could also use frozen turkey meatballs, chicken meatballs, or homemade meatballs (see note in FAQ section).
- Pineapple chunks. Use a 20 ounce can (or equivalent), but do not drain! The liquid is necessary to help prevent the burn notice. We also had one reader note they use 20 ounces of crushed pineapple and loved the result.
- Bell pepper. We use red bell pepper, but you could substitute for another kind if needed, or add in another one for extra veggies.
- Brown sugar. This is what makes the sauce sweet! We use 1 cup. If you want to reduce the sugar, a few readers have noted that you can reduce it up to half for a great low-sugar version.
- White vinegar. Any regular, white vinegar will do. This adds to the “tangy” side of the dish.
- Soy sauce. This adds a layer of that savory, umami flavor and adds just a little depth to your sauce.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:
How to Make These Simple Instant Pot Meatballs
- Dump your ingredients. Add meatballs, pineapple, pepper, brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce straight to the Instant Pot Insert.
- Cook. Add the lid, make sure it is sealed and cook for 7 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure.
- Serve. Release the pressure immediately upon cooking, then remove the lid, stir, and serve. It really is a true “dump-and-go” dinner!
Tip: nervous about using your Instant Pot? We’ve got a whole YouTube channel full of videos that can help you out! Check out this Instant Pot 101 video to get started.
What to serve with Hawaiian Meatballs
We love to serve this over rice as a main dish. White rice, cauliflower rice, or coconut rice are our favorites. It’s also great with a big side salad like our Citrus Berry Salad. Serve it as an appetizer on toothpicks for any gathering.
How to make this into a freezer meal
These Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs work great as a freezer meal. Here’s how to make it into one and cook it from frozen:
- 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.
Storing and Reheating
Once the meatballs have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days.
To reheat, you can do so in the microwave or on the stove top in a pan over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can use fresh meatballs in this recipe. We would recommend one of two ways:
1. Cook them ahead of time, then add them to the Instant Pot. Cook for 3 minutes with the rest of the ingredients (instead of 7).
2. Cook them with everything, adding them to the bottom of the pot and following the recipe as usual. Then, instead of releasing the pressure immediately, let it sit for 5 minutes. Once it has naturally released pressure for 5 minutes, then you can release the rest of the pressure and cook as normal. This method may have a higher chance of showing the “burn” notice, depending on your Instant Pot.
No. This recipe is written using frozen meatballs, straight from the freezer. Don’t worry about thawing them.
If you want a thicker consistency for the sauce, remove the meatballs, pepper, and pineapple after serving. Turn on the saute function, and add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon water + 1 tablespoon cornstarch). Add this into the sauce, stirring constantly for a few minutes, and it will thicken up nicely.
Absolutely! In fact, we have a Slow Cooker version of this recipe that you would love.
You can use BBQ sauce instead. Depending on how thick the BBQ sauce is, you may need to add more liquid to prevent the “burn” notice. If you want a different flavor, you can also try this meatball recipe (it uses chili sauce and grape jelly)
More Easy Meatball Recipes
- Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
- Cheesy Chicken Meatballs
- Honey Ground Turkey Sriracha Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo 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 Tablespoon 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
Nutrition
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.
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.
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.
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
Hi Molly. That sound amazing. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!
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!
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.
How can I cook this in a crock pot?
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.
We use frozen meatballs and cook for 7 minutes.
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!)
For this recipe you need 1 (32 ounce) package precooked frozen meatballs and 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks (do not drain)
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?
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.
I was cooking this from the freezer meals so everything is frozen would the cook time be different?
Place in your instant pot and cook for 7 minutes!
So yummy!,,,
Thanks so much for your ideas and help with meal planning and recipes.
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!
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!
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?
Just dump the frozen bag of ingredients into your Instant Pot and cook for 7 minutes.
I made my own meatballs, how long should I set the IP for if they were uncooked?
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.
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!
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.
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.
Can the rice be cooked in the IP at the same time?
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.
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!
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.
I was wondering the same thing?
Because you are mixing the pineapple juice with the brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce. Stir together well.
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?
If i serve this as a main dish over rice, what should accompany it? Like a salad or something?
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/
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.
I’m brand new to Instant Pot cooking. Does the cooking time increase when you’re starting with a frozen meal?
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.
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.
We will tell you how long to cook the meals for in our posts and videos.
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?
Yes, just the meatballs are frozen and set Instant Pot for 7 minutes.
No need to add a bit of water to the IP with the frozen ingredients before cooking?
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?
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 🙂
This was so delicious! Now I’ve got to figure out how to Ketofy it.
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.
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
We are so glad that you liked these easy and delicious meatballs!
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!
What setting do you use??
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?
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.
You press Pressure Cook/or Manual (depending on your Instant Pot) to cooke these meatballs. It’s in the instructions in the recipe post.
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?
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.
I see you’ve used both sweedish and italian meatballs for this recipe, but which one is actually better in it? Thank you
You really can’t tell a difference between the two different meatballs in this recipe. They are both delicious.
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!
Can this be made with plant-based meatballs…how did they turn out and is the recipe the same?
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.
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!!
So glad you liked the Hawaiian meatballs. They are one of our favorites.
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.
My family and I really enjoyed this recipe! I added a little extra pineapple juice bc my family loves it
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!
A 32 ounce bag of Frozen Meatballs contains about 80 small meatballs. If they are larger, then you would have fewer meatballs.
I love this quick recipe. I didn’t have red bell peppers so I used carrots. It was still great. 😊 Thank you!
Carrots are a great idea, and sneak in more veggies!
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.
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.
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!
This is one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes.
What if the meatballs are already heated up how long do I cook it all in the crockpot then
I love this recipe and easy
The frozen meatballs we use are pre-cooked. You need to be sure that the peppers are cooked through.
If you half the recipes does the cook time change?
The cook time will stay the same.
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!
So glad you liked it. It is one of our family favorites!
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.
Best recipe! Full of summer flavors!
This is one of our favorite meals. I love that it’s so easy and freezer friendly. Thank you so much!
Amazing recipe. My husband and I love it. How can I thicken it up. How much liquid to how much cornstarch? For 6-7 servings
Great question. The basic ratio for thickening using cornstarch is 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold liquid per 1 cup of hot liquid. I would start there and you can always add another 1:1 TBSP of the cornstarch mixture if you’re wanting it thicker
Can I use a crock pot instead
We have a slow cooker version that is delicious here: https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/slow-cooker-hawaiian-meatballs-recipe/
I loved this recipe and so easy! I making this dinner for someone and they do not have any small appliances. Could you cook the whole thing up, freeze it and then when it’s time thaw in fridge or under cool water and dump into a pot to warm up?
Can this be frozen after cooking?
These freeze great!