Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
Looking for a delicious and easy recipe for your next gathering? These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. With a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a flavorful sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly.
- With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a breeze to make.
- These meatballs are great for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Angus beef meatballs, frozen (I used the Schnucks brand, and they were fantastic)
- Brown sugar: adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce
- Honey: provides a rich, sweet flavor
- Ketchup: adds depth and tanginess to the sauce
- Soy sauce: brings a savory umami flavor
- Garlic cloves, minced: adds a fragrant and savory element
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Add the frozen Angus beef meatballs to the slow cooker and toss to coat them in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over rice or noodles.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a caramelized finish, broil the meatballs in the oven for a few minutes after they are done cooking in the slow cooker.
- To make the sauce thicker, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs pair perfectly with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of garlic butter noodles or jasmine rice.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, feel free to use any ground meat of your choice in this recipe.
- Can I make these meatballs in the oven instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, then toss them in the sauce.
- Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? Absolutely, simply double all the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion:
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are a flavorful and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a simple weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
PrintSlow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. The juicy Angus beef meatballs are simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 40 oz Angus beef meatballs, frozen
Sauce:
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Pour Sauce Over Meatballs: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the Angus beef meatballs with turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg