Irresistible Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Succulent meatballs swimming in a rich honey garlic sauce will steal the show at your next tender slow cooker honey garlic meatballs recipe dinner.

These juicy spheres of pure comfort melt in your mouth with incredible flavor.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker works magic, infusing every morsel with deep, caramelized goodness.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.

Packed with robust seasonings and glazed in a luscious sauce, these meatballs promise to become a family favorite.

Serve them over rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that forms the hearty core of the dish, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciest texture.
• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient alternative for time-pressed cooks, ensure high-quality brand with minimal preservatives.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating, select pure, locally sourced honey for best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami and saltiness, opt for low-sodium version to control overall dish saltiness.
• Ketchup: Contributes tangy complexity and helps thicken sauce, choose organic varieties with minimal added sugars.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and depth of flavor, select low-sodium stock for better seasoning control.

• Garlic: Delivers bold, aromatic punch, use fresh minced cloves for most intense flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces subtle acidic brightness, select mild Japanese-style vinegar for balanced taste.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone, use fresh grated root for maximum zesty impact.
• Cornstarch: Critical for sauce thickening, ensure fresh and lump-free for smooth consistency.

• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal, toast lightly before sprinkling for enhanced flavor.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp finish, slice thinly for delicate presentation.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Tools And Supplies

• Slow Cooker: Your main kitchen hero for effortless cooking and tender meatballs.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing raw meatballs to lock in delicious flavor before slow cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking together the honey garlic sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients without lumps for a silky texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities for perfect flavor balance.
• Cutting Board: Great for chopping green onions and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing green onions and precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker.

How To Cook Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Kickstart the Flavor Process

Brown meatballs in a hot skillet or toss frozen ones directly into the slow cooker for a hassle-free meal prep.

• Whisk Up the Magical Sauce

Create a mouthwatering blend by combining honey, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and ginger in a bowl. Pour this liquid gold generously over the meatballs, ensuring every morsel gets coated.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Let the slow cooker work its magic by simmering on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will become irresistibly tender and infused with rich flavors.

• Sauce Transformation

Mix cornstarch with water to create a quick thickening agent. Stir this into the bubbling sauce and let it simmer for an extra 15-20 minutes until the sauce reaches a luxurious, clingy consistency.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for a pop of color and crunch. Enjoy as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with toothpicks or serve over steaming rice for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tricks For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Meat Magic: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Ground pork also works wonderfully for a richer flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare meatballs and sauce a day ahead, refrigerate, and slow cook when ready. This method intensifies the flavors and saves time during busy days.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a hot kick. Adjust heat levels to suit personal preference without overwhelming the honey-garlic balance.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs when preparing meatballs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: These meatballs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers with sauce for quick future meals that taste just as delicious as freshly made.

Serving Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Perfect Pairing Partners
• Rice Bowl Delight: Spoon these saucy meatballs over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal that soaks up all the delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Party Appetizer Magic: Arrange meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights, potlucks, or holiday gatherings – guests will love these bite-sized treats.
• Noodle Nest Creation: Toss the meatballs with lo mein or spaghetti noodles for a quick and satisfying dinner that combines protein and carbs in one delicious dish.
• Fresh Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to add a refreshing crunch and balance the rich, sweet-savory meatballs.

How To Keep Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Fresh

• Smart Meal Prep Strategies: Batch cook meatballs and sauce, then portion into airtight containers for quick weekday meals. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Cool meatballs completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Store frozen for 2-3 months, maintaining delicious taste and texture when reheated gently.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide meatballs into individual serving sizes for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner solutions. Label containers with date and contents for organized meal planning.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated meatballs in microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker honey garlic meatballs combine tender beef with a sweet and tangy sauce. Savory ingredients meld perfectly, creating a simple yet irresistible dish that satisfies hungry guests with minimal preparation effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2 lbs) frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using raw meatballs)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Searing Preparation: Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium temperature, browning meatballs until they develop a golden exterior. For frozen meatballs, transfer directly into the slow cooker without searing.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl until achieving a glossy, uniform mixture.
3. Coating and Flavor Infusion: Gently drench meatballs with the prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage and even distribution throughout the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing meatballs to become tender and absorb the rich sauce completely.
5. Sauce Thickening: Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and water until smooth, then pour into the slow cooker and increase to high temperature.
6. Final Reduction: Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, clingy sauce consistency that perfectly coats the meatballs.
7. Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions over the meatballs, then serve immediately atop fluffy white rice or tender noodles.

Notes

• Perfectly Brown Meatballs: Sear meatballs in a hot skillet with olive oil to develop a rich golden crust, which locks in flavor and creates a delicious caramelized exterior before slow cooking.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that coats meatballs evenly without becoming gloopy or thin.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Let meatballs simmer slowly in sauce for the full recommended time, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat for maximum taste absorption.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to transform this dish into a keto-friendly meal without sacrificing the rich, savory flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg