If you’re looking for a simple yet tasty dinner, you’re in the right place. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are easy to make and full of flavor. You can whip them up with just a few ingredients and let your slow cooker do the rest. Whether you’re hosting a party or having a cozy night in, this dish will impress. Get ready to savor an easy meal that everyone will love!

$- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg, lightly beaten - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick) For the meatballs, I like to use ground beef or turkey. Both work well and are tasty. You will need seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor, so don't skip it! The egg holds the mixture, while garlic and onion powder give it depth. Sea salt and black pepper are key for seasoning, and red pepper flakes can add a nice heat if you want. - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for sauce thickening) When it comes to the sauce, honey is the star. It gives a sweet touch that pairs well with the meatballs. Soy sauce adds umami, while rice vinegar brings balance. The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce later on. If you need substitutes, you can use ground chicken or even plant-based meat for a healthier option. For gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan twist. Adjust the spices to match your taste, and feel free to be creative! Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add the beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Use your hands or a spoon to blend. Be gentle; overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about one inch wide. Place each meatball on a plate or tray as you go. You should get around 20 meatballs, perfect for a family meal. Before cooking, lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meatballs, coating them well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. When done, stir the meatballs gently to coat them in the delicious sauce. To get soft and tender meatballs, do not overmix the meat. Use a gentle touch when mixing. Combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings. Form each meatball to about 1 inch. This size helps them cook evenly. If you want a lighter texture, add a little milk to the mix. Mix honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar well. This blend gives a sweet and tangy flavor. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. Stir this mixture into the sauce 30 minutes before serving. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. Serve your meatballs in a bowl or on a platter. Drizzle extra honey sauce over them. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and crunch. Pair the meatballs with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks. Enjoy your delicious creation! {{image_4}} You can change the meat for your honey garlic meatballs. Ground turkey works well. It keeps the dish leaner but just as tasty. You might also try ground chicken or pork. These will give you a different flavor. If you want to skip meat, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them up and mix with the other ingredients. Add spices to boost the taste. Try garlic powder for more garlic flavor. A dash of smoked paprika adds a nice touch. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also brighten it up. If you like spice, use more red pepper flakes. You can even add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mix for a kick. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegan version, replace meat with plant-based protein. You can use tofu or a store-bought meat substitute. Swap the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the meatballs together without using eggs. You can store leftover meatballs in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to four days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. Freezing is a great option for meal prep. Let the meatballs cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat meatballs gently to keep them moist. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover them to avoid drying out. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. If using a stovetop, add a splash of water or sauce in a pan. Heat on low until warmed through. This keeps the honey garlic flavor strong and tasty. Cook these meatballs on low for 4 to 6 hours. If you're short on time, try high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be tender and fully cooked when done. Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Each meat gives a different flavor. Ground pork also works well. Just make sure the meat is fresh for the best taste. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. Add it about 30 minutes before the cooking finishes. Stir it in well, and let it cook to thicken up nicely. Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. They can also be frozen for later use. Serve these meatballs with rice or noodles. They also pair well with steamed veggies. For a fun twist, you can use them in a sandwich or wrap. Put leftover meatballs in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies. Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mixture. Adjust to your spice preference for a flavorful kick. In this post, we covered how to make honey garlic meatballs. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and even helpful tips. You learned about variations and how to store your leftovers. These meatballs are tasty and easy to make. They fit many dietary needs and are great for meal prep. Enjoy your cooking and share these tips with friends!$

Ingredients

Main ingredients for Honey Garlic Meatballs

– 1 pound ground beef or turkey

– 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 large egg, lightly beaten

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

For the meatballs, I like to use ground beef or turkey. Both work well and are tasty. You will need seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor, so don’t skip it! The egg holds the mixture, while garlic and onion powder give it depth. Sea salt and black pepper are key for seasoning, and red pepper flakes can add a nice heat if you want.

Sauces and seasoning

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option)

– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for sauce thickening)

When it comes to the sauce, honey is the star. It gives a sweet touch that pairs well with the meatballs. Soy sauce adds umami, while rice vinegar brings balance. The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce later on.

Substitutions for dietary preferences

If you need substitutes, you can use ground chicken or even plant-based meat for a healthier option. For gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan twist. Adjust the spices to match your taste, and feel free to be creative!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of meatball mixture

Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add the beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Use your hands or a spoon to blend. Be gentle; overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Forming the meatballs

Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about one inch wide. Place each meatball on a plate or tray as you go. You should get around 20 meatballs, perfect for a family meal.

Cooking in the slow cooker

Before cooking, lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meatballs, coating them well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. When done, stir the meatballs gently to coat them in the delicious sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the best texture for meatballs

To get soft and tender meatballs, do not overmix the meat. Use a gentle touch when mixing. Combine ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings. Form each meatball to about 1 inch. This size helps them cook evenly. If you want a lighter texture, add a little milk to the mix.

Perfecting the honey garlic sauce

Mix honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar well. This blend gives a sweet and tangy flavor. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. Stir this mixture into the sauce 30 minutes before serving. This makes the sauce rich and smooth.

Serving suggestions

Serve your meatballs in a bowl or on a platter. Drizzle extra honey sauce over them. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and crunch. Pair the meatballs with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Variations

Alternative meats and protein options

You can change the meat for your honey garlic meatballs. Ground turkey works well. It keeps the dish leaner but just as tasty. You might also try ground chicken or pork. These will give you a different flavor. If you want to skip meat, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them up and mix with the other ingredients.

Flavor upgrades (spices and herbs)

Add spices to boost the taste. Try garlic powder for more garlic flavor. A dash of smoked paprika adds a nice touch. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also brighten it up. If you like spice, use more red pepper flakes. You can even add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mix for a kick.

Gluten-free and vegan adaptations

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegan version, replace meat with plant-based protein. You can use tofu or a store-bought meat substitute. Swap the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the meatballs together without using eggs.

Storage Info

Refrigerating leftover meatballs

You can store leftover meatballs in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to four days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage.

Freezing instructions for meal prep

Freezing is a great option for meal prep. Let the meatballs cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating tips for optimal flavor

Reheat meatballs gently to keep them moist. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover them to avoid drying out. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. If using a stovetop, add a splash of water or sauce in a pan. Heat on low until warmed through. This keeps the honey garlic flavor strong and tasty.

FAQs

How long to cook slow cooker honey garlic meatballs?

Cook these meatballs on low for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, try high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be tender and fully cooked when done.

Can I use different meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Each meat gives a different flavor. Ground pork also works well. Just make sure the meat is fresh for the best taste.

How to make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. Add it about 30 minutes before the cooking finishes. Stir it in well, and let it cook to thicken up nicely.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. They can also be frozen for later use.

What can I serve with honey garlic meatballs?

Serve these meatballs with rice or noodles. They also pair well with steamed veggies. For a fun twist, you can use them in a sandwich or wrap.

How do I store leftover meatballs?

Put leftover meatballs in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies.

What if I want a spicier sauce?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mixture. Adjust to your spice preference for a flavorful kick.

In this post, we covered how to make honey garlic meatballs. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and even helpful tips. You learned about variations and how to store your leftovers.

These meatballs are tasty and easy to make. They fit many dietary needs and are great for meal prep. Enjoy your cooking and share these tips with friends!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Indulge in the delightful flavors of sweet and savory honey garlic meatballs! This easy slow cooker recipe combines juicy meatballs with a luscious honey soy sauce that's perfect for any gathering. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's both delicious and crowd-pleasing. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for sauce thickening)

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain tenderness.

Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a tray or plate as you go. You should yield about 20 meatballs.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set aside for later use.

Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the meatballs in the slow cooker in a single layer, or spread them out evenly for better cooking.

Pour the honey soy sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, ensuring that all are coated generously.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to the sauce to thicken it. Cover and continue cooking, allowing the sauce to reach the right consistency.

Once the cooking time is complete, give the meatballs a gentle stir in the sauce to ensure they are well coated and flavorful.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 6 hours | 4-6 servings

- Presentation Tips: To serve, arrange the meatballs in a shallow serving bowl or platter, drizzled generously with the extra honey sauce. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a vibrant and appealing presentation, adding a touch of flavor and color.