Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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Sticky, sweet, and full of savory flavor, these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or looking for an effortless weeknight dinner, they’ll deliver rich taste with very little effort. Each bite bursts with juicy meat and the glossy honey garlic glaze, offering that ideal balance of salty and sweet. And thanks to the slow cooker, all the flavors have time to soak in perfectly.

The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is—perfect for game days, potlucks, or even quick meal prep. You can use frozen meatballs to save time or make your own from scratch if you prefer a homemade touch. The sauce—made with just a few pantry staples—coats the meatballs like a silky glaze that clings in the most mouthwatering way. This is one of those dishes that smells incredible while cooking and tastes even better.

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic. If you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. This creates a rich, tangy, and sweet glaze that will coat the meatballs as they cook.

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Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs into the bowl of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure all meatballs are well coated. Stir gently to ensure even coverage.

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Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The longer cook time on low helps the flavors penetrate the meatballs better, but if you’re in a hurry, the high setting works just as well.

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Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. Let it cook uncovered until thickened.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is deliciously sticky, serve hot. These go great over rice, noodles, or on their own as a satisfying appetizer.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs, first allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then transfer them into an airtight container:

• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze in sauce to maintain flavor and moisture.

To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat or pop them back into the slow cooker on low until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 17g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 780mg

Nutritional values may vary based on the brand of ingredients used and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of meatballs should I use?

You can use any fully cooked frozen meatballs—beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian. Just make sure they are pre-cooked so they heat through evenly.

Can I make this recipe with homemade meatballs?

Absolutely! You can use your own homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are pre-cooked or browned before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced from a jar?

Yes, fresh garlic cloves minced finely add an even richer flavor to the sauce.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Definitely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything and stir occasionally for even cooking.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used, though honey provides the ideal consistency and sweetness for this glaze.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning in the slow cooker?

Keep the heat on low and don’t cook for too long beyond the suggested time. If needed, add a splash of water or broth during cooking.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Not by default, especially if using regular soy sauce or frozen meatballs. But you can opt for gluten-free soy sauce and GF meatballs for a fully gluten-free dish.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

They pair perfectly with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even as sliders in soft rolls. Great for both meals and party platters!

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