Description
Sticky, savory, and sweet, these Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are the ultimate easy dinner or party appetizer! Simmered low and slow in a rich honey garlic sauce, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, game day spreads, or anytime you need a quick, flavorful dish. This is one of the best slow cooker meatball recipes you’ll find—ideal for anyone searching for food ideas that are hands-off and guaranteed to please. Think of this as your go-to when you need quick dinner ideas, crowd-friendly appetizers, or protein-packed, easy recipes.
Ingredients
2 pounds frozen meatballs
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Lightly grease your slow cooker or spray with non-stick spray.
2. Add frozen (pre-cooked) meatballs into the crockpot, spreading them out evenly.
3. In a bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and vinegar.
4. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs and stir gently to coat.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
6. Optional: In the last 30 minutes, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) if you prefer a thicker sauce.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
8. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or as-is for an appetizer.
Notes
For homemade meatballs, make sure to fully cook them before adding to the slow cooker.
Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by tweaking the honey or soy sauce to taste.
Keep the crockpot on “Warm” while serving during a party to maintain perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~6 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg