Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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

1. Prepare the sauce – In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Add meatballs – Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, stirring to coat evenly.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!

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