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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped The main ingredients in our slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are simple yet full of flavor. Ground beef is the star, providing a rich taste. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, giving them a nice texture. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch, and fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup honey - 1/2 cup soy sauce Seasonings are key for great flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the meatballs' taste. Honey brings sweetness, while soy sauce adds depth and umami. Together, these make a mouthwatering sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly. - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water) - Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish You can add sesame oil for a nutty flavor. If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a lovely finish. These optional ingredients add even more taste and visual appeal to your dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a large bowl, add 1 pound of ground beef. 2. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. 3. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. 4. Crack 1 egg and beat it in a small bowl. Pour it into the mixture. 5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. 6. Mix all the ingredients using your hands until everything is well combined. 7. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet. 1. In a separate bowl, add 1 cup of honey. 2. Pour in 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. 3. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. 4. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate 1 tablespoon of ginger. Mix these into the sauce. 5. Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until fully combined. 1. Layer the meatballs in the slow cooker. 2. Pour half of the honey-garlic sauce over the meatballs. Make sure they are well coated. 3. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later use. 4. Cover the slow cooker with a lid. 5. Set the cooking time to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 6. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water during the last 30 minutes. 7. When done, drizzle the reserved sauce over the meatballs and gently toss them to coat. To get the best meatballs, mix your ingredients well. I like to use my hands. This helps everything stick together. Make sure not to over-mix, as this can make them tough. Aim for meatballs about 1 inch in size. This size cooks evenly and is easy to eat. If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give you a nice, rich glaze. If you want it thinner, just skip the cornstarch. To boost flavor, try adding more spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. You could also add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist. Sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top add great taste and color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your sauce significantly compared to dried or powdered versions. Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the meatballs tender. Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Garnish for Presentation: Adding sesame seeds and green onions not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds extra texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change makes the dish lighter. The flavor stays yummy, and the texture remains great. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These work just as well. They help hold the meatballs together, just like regular breadcrumbs. To spice things up, try a sweet and spicy mix. Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the honey-garlic sauce. This adds a kick and warms up the dish. You can also create an Asian-inspired twist. Use hoisin sauce or add some sesame seeds into the mix. This gives your meatballs a unique flavor that tastes amazing. These meatballs pair well with steamed rice or noodles. The sauce soaks into the rice or noodles, adding flavor to every bite. You can also serve them with a side of fresh vegetables. This makes for a colorful and balanced meal. Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature first. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. To freeze your meatballs, first, let them cool down. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about two hours. After that, transfer them to freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can. They will stay good for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you can use a few methods. The oven works well. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. If you want to keep the sauce, warm it in a small pot on low heat. This helps keep the meatballs juicy and tasty. You can cook honey garlic meatballs in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The longer cooking time on low helps the flavors blend well. Check the meatballs near the end to ensure they are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. If they are pre-made, add them straight to the slow cooker. You may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Make sure they are heated through. If using homemade frozen meatballs, thaw them first for even cooking. Honey garlic meatballs taste great with many sides. Here are some top picks: - Steamed rice - Noodles - Mashed potatoes - A fresh green salad - Stir-fried vegetables These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite! Honey garlic meatballs bring flavor and joy to your meals. This guide covered main ingredients, seasonings, and optional add-ins. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store these tasty bites. I shared tips on achieving perfect texture and explored fun variations. Remember, adjusting flavors can make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your creations with others. Each bite is a chance to impress!

Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • to taste sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Pour half of the honey-garlic sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking and cover.
  • Once done, drizzle the reserved honey-garlic sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, slow cooker