Try This Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe Today

Tender meatballs swimming in a sweet and savory slow cooker honey garlic sauce promise a delightful meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The aroma of garlic and honey will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet impressive dish that requires minimal effort.

Lean ground meat mixed with carefully chosen seasonings creates a perfect bite every single time.

These meatballs work brilliantly as a main course or party appetizer that everyone will adore.

Packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, this recipe becomes an instant favorite.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing meal for future dinner solutions that bring smiles around the table.

Why Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Are Sweet, Sticky, And Savory

• Effortless Cooking Magic: Slow cookers transform complex recipes into simple, hands-off meals with minimal preparation and maximum flavor, making this honey garlic meatball recipe a total game-changer for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend meals, these meatballs adapt seamlessly from appetizer to main course with zero stress.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combining sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and zesty garlic creates an irresistible sauce that elevates basic meatballs into a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Total Time-Saver: Whether using frozen or fresh meatballs, this recipe requires just 10 minutes of active cooking time, allowing you to enjoy delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich and flavorful meat mixture for hearty meatballs, with good fat content for juicy texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat and keeps meatballs tender and light.
• Egg: Natural binder that holds meatball ingredients together.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provides deep, sharp flavor and aromatic warmth to the meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall meat flavor.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Creates a sweet and savory base with complex flavor profile.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy richness and helps thicken sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and adds depth to sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings subtle acidity to balance sweetness.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates slurry to thicken sauce naturally.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp flavor and color contrast.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial meatball searing to develop brown crust.

How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Effortlessly

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Base

• Heat olive oil in a skillet
• Sear meatballs until golden brown on all sides
• Transfer to slow cooker

• Drop directly into slow cooker

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic
• Rice vinegar
• Fresh ginger

Whisk ingredients until perfectly blended

Pour sauce over meatballs

Gently coat every single meatball

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker

Cook on low setting for 4-5 hours

Or cook on high setting for 2-3 hours

Meatballs should be heated through and super tender

Step 4: Transform Sauce Texture

Make cornstarch mixture

• Cornstarch
• Water

Stir until completely smooth

Pour into slow cooker

Cook on high for 15-20 minutes

Sauce will become deliciously thick

Step 5: Dress and Serve

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

• Appetizer with toothpicks
• Main dish over white rice
• Alongside noodles

Enjoy your incredible homemade meatballs!

Tips For Tender Honey Garlic Meatballs Every Time

• Perfectly Sear Meatballs: Brown raw meatballs before slow cooking to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior that enhances the overall taste.
• Customize Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry amount to control sauce thickness, ensuring a glossy, clingy coating that perfectly complements the meatballs.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use fresh minced garlic and ginger instead of powdered versions to elevate the sauce's aromatic profile and create more complex, vibrant flavors.
• Meal Prep Magic: Freeze cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes just as delicious when reheated.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version, or use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein alternative that still delivers maximum taste.

How To Store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Right

• Refrigerate leftover honey garlic meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep the sauce and meatballs together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency.
• Freeze meatballs for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air.
• Frozen meatballs will stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Always check for any off-smells or changes in texture before consuming stored meatballs.

Best Sides For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Craft Complementary Rice Pairing: Serve these honey garlic meatballs over fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully and provides a soft, neutral base that enhances the meatballs' bold flavors.
• Select Perfect Beverage Match: Pair with a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling white wine that balances the honey's sweetness or choose a light Asian-style lager like Sapporo, which cuts through the rich sauce and cleanses the palate.
• Design Fresh Side Vegetable Complement: Add a simple Asian cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil, creating a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, savory meatballs and adding a refreshing element to the meal.
• Create Texture Contrast Plate: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas, which provide a vibrant green color, additional nutrition, and a satisfying crunch that complements the tender meatballs.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Spicy Kick Meatballs: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery flavor that tingles your taste buds. Adjust heat levels to suit personal preference, creating a zesty version of the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean-Style Meatballs: Replace honey with pomegranate molasses and add oregano and mint to the sauce. Incorporate ground lamb or a mix of beef and lamb for an authentic Mediterranean profile.
• Asian Fusion Meatballs: Swap soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a splash of hoisin for depth. Garnish with crushed peanuts and cilantro instead of green onions to elevate the Asian-inspired flavors.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, allergen-friendly meal option.

FAQs For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Are honey garlic meatballs spicy?

The sauce is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile with honey and garlic, creating a mild and balanced taste that most people enjoy.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and creates a leaner version of this recipe. Just ensure the meatballs are fully cooked through since turkey has different cooking requirements.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your ketchup and chicken broth are gluten-free certified. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• How can I make these meatballs more kid-friendly?

These meatballs are already quite kid-friendly due to their sweet honey garlic sauce. If children are very picky, you can reduce the garlic slightly or blend the garlic more finely to make the flavor more subtle.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent slow cooker honey garlic meatballs promise an explosion of flavor that dances across taste buds. Sweet and savory notes blend perfectly, creating a mouthwatering dish that invites diners to savor each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using raw meatballs)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet with a light coating of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully brown raw meatballs on all sides until they develop a rich golden exterior. For frozen varieties, transfer them directly into the slow cooker without searing.

1. Create a vibrant sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, ketchup, chicken broth, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients until they form a harmonious blend with a glossy appearance.

1. Drench the meatballs with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece receives an even coating. Use a gentle stirring motion to distribute the sauce thoroughly throughout the slow cooker.

1. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the meatballs to simmer and absorb flavors for 4-5 hours. Alternatively, use the high setting for 2-3 hours until the meatballs reach optimal tenderness.

1. Craft a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until completely smooth and free of lumps. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and increase the temperature to high.

1. Allow the sauce to thicken for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any potential sticking or burning. The sauce should develop a glossy, slightly viscous texture that clings beautifully to the meatballs.

1. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions across the top. Serve immediately over fluffy white rice or tender noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Customize meat blend by mixing ground beef, pork, or turkey for varied flavor profiles and nutrition.
• Choose lean meats to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to help meatballs stay moist and hold together during cooking.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free soy sauce and tamari for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Create vegetarian version using plant-based meatballs or firm tofu chunks that absorb delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth without compromising flavor intensity.
• Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of rice wine or Chinese cooking wine for complex umami notes.
• Prep meatballs ahead and freeze uncooked for convenient meal planning and quick future dinners.

• 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: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg