Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish. With a rich honey garlic sauce and juicy meatballs, this dish is effortless to prepare and great for gatherings, meal prep, or busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Sweet and savory balance – The honey garlic sauce adds the perfect blend of sweetness and umami.
- Versatile – Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or with pasta.
- Crowd-pleaser – A hit at parties, game nights, and family dinners.
- Great for meal prep – Easy to make ahead and store.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen or homemade meatballs
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the sauce – In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add meatballs – Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce (optional) – If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick.
- Teriyaki Twist – Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- BBQ Honey Garlic Meatballs – Swap ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky touch.
- Pineapple Addition – Add pineapple chunks for a tropical sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
How do I make homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape into balls and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
What can I serve with honey garlic meatballs?
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat for 30 minutes.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs in homemade meatballs.
Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey meatballs work great as a leaner option.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce 30 minutes before serving.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit all the meatballs and sauce.
Will the sauce be too sweet?
The sauce has a balanced flavor, but you can reduce the honey or add more soy sauce if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I cook the meatballs from frozen?
Yes, frozen meatballs work perfectly in the slow cooker without thawing.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs will become a go-to recipe for easy and delicious meals. Try different variations to customize the flavor, and enjoy the convenience of slow cooking!
PrintSlow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are an easy and flavorful dish. Fully cooked meatballs are simmered in a rich honey garlic sauce, resulting in a tender and tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz fully cooked, frozen meatballs
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Place the frozen meatballs in a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, stir the meatballs to evenly coat them in the sauce before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can leave the lid off the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking or thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
- These meatballs can be served alone as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
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