Oh, you’re going to love this one! These Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs are an absolute lifesaver for busy nights, parties, or even just a cozy dinner at home. They’re sweet, savory, sticky, and seriously irresistible. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work while you kick back (or handle the million other things life throws at you). These meatballs are always a hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for family dinners or as an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated or ground)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Pro Tips
- Frozen or Homemade Meatballs? Use whatever works best for your schedule! Frozen saves time, but homemade meatballs add a special touch if you’ve got the energy.
- Thicker Sauce? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Keep it Kid-Friendly: Swap the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder tang that kids might prefer.
- Party-Perfect: Serve these straight from the crockpot to keep them warm for guests. Add some toothpicks for easy snacking!
- Double the Sauce: If you like them extra saucy, double the sauce recipe—no one ever complains about more sauce!
Substitutions & Variations
- Meatballs: Use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs.
- Soy Sauce: Swap with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Honey: Maple syrup works as a vegan substitute.
- Add Spice: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just whisk it together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, rice vinegar, and ginger until smooth.
2. Add Meatballs to the Crockpot
Place the frozen (or cooked) meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the top, making sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure all the meatballs are coated in that delicious sauce.
4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce
If you want the sauce thicker, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Stir the slurry into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve & Garnish
Transfer meatballs to a serving dish (or serve straight from the crockpot!). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions for garnish.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs that are as easy as they are delicious! Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a party appetizer, this dish is always a winner. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, tips, or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking! 🍯🥢🍴
