Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Apr 12, 2024Updated Jun 11, 2024

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This delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs is packed with flavors from fresh ginger, soy sauce, and garlic. These meatballs will be swimming in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, all cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot. They are bound to be a hit with the whole family.

These meatballs, my Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Dip, and this nacho bar are perfect for any game day or gathering set up.

honey garlic meatballs in a slow cooker.

Why This Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe Works
Recipe Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Serve
Recipe FAQs
More Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Why This Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe Works

With its dump-and-go method, short prep time, and moderate cooking time, it’s a lifesaver on hectic weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: You can serve it over rice, with mashed potatoes, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering. Having this recipe on hand means never having to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

The next time you’re looking to give meatballs a twist, grab this recipe to make a meal that is sure to have everyone asking for seconds. We also make slow cooker meatball subs for an easy dinner.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for slow cooker honey garlic meatballs on a table.

Frozen Meatballs: Convenient and time-saving, frozen meatballs make this recipe a breeze. We use these same meatballs in our slow cooker BBQ meatballs.
Honey: Adds sweetness and helps to create that irresistible honey garlic sauce.
Soy Sauce: I suggest using low-sodium soy sauce for this recipe.
Seasonings: Fresh garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (optional) are the perfect combo for making these tasty meatballs.
Slurry: Cold water and cornstarch are combined to make the thickening agent for the sauce.
Optional garnish: Sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or fresh parsley for a pop of color, texture, and taste. (See recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and instructions).

Step-by-Step Instructions

six images showing how to make slow cooker honey garlic meatballs.

Step One – In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to make the homemade honey garlic sauce.

Step Two – Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.

Step Three – Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 4-6 hours or on HIGH heat for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and tender.

Step Four – In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Step Five – Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the sauce thickens. Once the sauce has thickened, give it a final stir to make sure the meatballs are well coated.

Step Six – Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

overhead of honey garlic meatballs in a slow cooker.

How to Serve

Serve these honey garlic meatballs over fluffy steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying main course.
Ladle the meatballs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Try my slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe.
Skewer the meatballs and serve them with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
A side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad pairs perfectly with these flavorful meatballs. For an extra touch, consider serving them with a side of garlic bread.

overhead of serving of slow cooker honey garlic meatballs on noodles.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs would work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker or be mindful of cooking time to ensure they are done.

How long do leftovers last, and how should they be stored?

Leftover honey garlic meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the desired amount of meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through. If using the stovetop, heat the meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The sauce may thicken further when refrigerated. If needed, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to loosen the sauce.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or on the stove top?

While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can certainly adapt it for the Instant Pot or stove top. Simply adjust the cooking times accordingly and ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.

Is it necessary to thaw the frozen meatballs before cooking?

Nope! You can place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

close-up of serving of slow cooker honey garlic meatballs.

More Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes

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