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A close-up of slow cooker honey garlic meatballs in a glazed sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Classic Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

These classic slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for an appetizer or a satisfying main dish, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 works great for flavor and moisture
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic, minced cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3-4 garlic, minced cloves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, for thickening
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • skillet
  • slow cooker
  • whisk

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper; mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch balls, yielding approximately 30-36 meatballs.
Searing (Optional)
  1. Briefly sear the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides; this step enhances flavor and helps maintain shape.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes.
Slow Cooker Assembly
  1. Place the seared or raw meatballs evenly in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce mixture over them.
Cooking and Thickening
  1. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  2. About 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce until glossy, if desired.
Serving
  1. Serve hot and enjoy the classic slow cooker honey garlic meatballs.

Notes

For best results, consider searing the meatballs to lock in flavor and achieve a better texture. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice. Serve these delicious meatballs with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.