Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp cold water
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 cup pineapple tidbits

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and minced garlic. Mix until just combined and roll into evenly sized meatballs.
  2. Grease the slow cooker and place the prepared beef meatballs (or frozen pre-cooked meatballs) into the bottom. Scatter pineapple tidbits evenly among the beef.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the meatballs, tossing gently to ensure every meatball is coated.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 7-8 hours.
  5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and cold water into a smooth slurry and stir it into the bubbling sauce.
  6. Cover and continue cooking for the remaining time until the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy glaze. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.