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.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

Scale
  • 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.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *