If you are craving a dish that combines sweet, savory, and comforting flavors in one easy-to-make meal, this Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly tender meatballs simmering in a luscious honey garlic sauce create a dinner that is as simple as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or just want a stress-free meal, these meatballs bring warmth and joy to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver a balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each component is essential, ensuring these meatballs turn out moist, flavorful, and perfectly glazed.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that provides rich flavor and tender texture.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them moist.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor right in the meatball mix.
- 1/2 inch piece ginger (minced): Offers a subtle warmth and zing that complements garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Brings a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors without overpowering.
- 1 scallion (finely chopped): Freshness and subtle onion flavor to brighten the meatballs.
- 1 small egg (beaten): Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon oil: For lightly browning the meatballs before slow cooking.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce with depth.
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce: Salty and umami-rich key to the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup honey: The star sweetener that balances the garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice: Adds a bright, tart contrast to the sweetness.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): For the honey garlic sauce, enhancing that irresistible garlic taste.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it beautifully coats each meatball.
How to Make Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Form the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, salt, chopped scallion, and beaten egg in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything evenly until just combined. The breadcrumbs and egg act like a glue that helps the meatballs hold their shape while cooking. Roll the mixture into even-sized balls—about one inch in diameter works perfectly for this recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan, cooking them until each side is golden brown. This step not only seals in juices but also adds a lovely caramelized flavor. Browning the meatballs before slow cooking makes a noticeable difference in the final texture and taste.
Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients and Slow Cook
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. Carefully pour this sauce into your crockpot and nestle the browned meatballs inside. Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender while soaking up all the sweet and garlicky sauce flavors. The slow cooker does all the magic, leaving you free to relax or prepare side dishes.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take these meatballs from great to sensational. A sprinkle of chopped scallions or fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness. Toasted sesame seeds can be scattered on top for extra nutty flavor and texture. If you like a little heat, a few thin slices of fresh chili perfectly complement the sweetness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair excellently with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that gorgeous sauce. For a lighter option, serve them alongside stir-fried vegetables or crisp green beans with a squeeze of lemon. Even a simple mixed greens salad provides a fresh contrast that balances the richness of the meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box? Turn your Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs Recipe into sliders by placing individual meatballs in mini buns with a dollop of sauce and some crunchy coleslaw. They also make amazing party appetizers—just serve with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping. You can even toss the meatballs and sauce with noodles for a complete one-pot dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so saved leftovers taste even better the next day. Make sure to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing does not diminish the wonderful flavors, making this recipe perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid drying out the meatballs. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that poultry can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook your meatballs in the crockpot.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this recipe on the stovetop by simmering the meatballs gently in the sauce for about 30 minutes until cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soy sauce you use is gluten-free, such as tamari. Everything else remains the same for a delicious gluten-free version.
Can I make the sauce less sweet or more spicy?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of honey to taste if you prefer less sweetness, or add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick. The recipe is quite flexible to your flavor preferences.
Why is cornstarch used in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a lovely glaze-like consistency that clings to the meatballs. If you skip it, the sauce may be thinner and more broth-like.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs Recipe enough for those nights when you want a fuss-free dinner that tastes spectacular. The sweet and savory sauce paired with tender, juicy meatballs offers comfort and flavor in every bite. Give it a try and I promise it will become a beloved go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious moment!
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Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
These Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef meatballs are seasoned with garlic, ginger, and scallions, then slow-cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce made with soy sauce, chicken broth, and a hint of lime. The slow cooker makes the meatballs tender and soaking in the sweet-savory sauce, creating a comforting dish that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- 1 small egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon oil
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1 clove minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame seeds, salt, chopped scallion, and beaten egg. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form and brown the meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. This step enhances flavor and helps the meatballs hold together during slow cooking.
- Make the sauce and slow cook: In the crockpot, combine chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and 2-3 cloves minced garlic. Stir to mix. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce, cover, and cook on low for 3 hours. During the last 15 minutes, mix cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry and stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
Notes
- For best flavor, brown the meatballs before placing them in the crockpot.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust the amount of honey for a sweeter or less sweet sauce according to your taste.
- If you want a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free soy sauce.
