Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Sweet and salty, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe is your go-to for feeding a large crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a game day party, these meatballs are sure to be the star of the show. With their rich flavor and tender texture, they are simple to prepare and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and savory combination makes these meatballs irresistible for people of all ages.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, or pair with rice for a hearty dinner.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce and meatballs in advance, then let the slow cooker do the magic!
• Healthy Ingredient Choices: Using frozen meatballs allows for quick cooking without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here are some tools that will help you create perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals while you focus on other tasks.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces or mixing ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your dish.
• Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients together without damaging your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to whip up these delicious Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs.

For the Meatballs

• 4 lbs frozen meatballs

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp minced garlic (or 3 tsp garlic powder)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 c honey
• 1 1/2 c ketchup
• 1/2 c soy sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, pour it into your slow cooker. Add honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Add Meatballs

Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce. Use a spatula to gently stir and coat each meatball evenly with the sauce mixture.

Step 3: Cook

Set your slow cooker to Low heat and cook for about 6 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally if possible, ensuring that every meatball gets a good soak in that delicious honey garlic sauce.

Enjoy serving these delightful Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs at your next event!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Serving slow cooker honey garlic meatballs is a breeze, and they can easily be the star of any meal. Whether for a party or a family dinner, these meatballs are versatile and sure to please everyone.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating at parties or gatherings.

With Rice

• Pair them with steamed rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce for a comforting meal.

In a Sandwich

• Place the meatballs in a sub roll, add some cheese, and toast for a delightful meatball sandwich.

Over Noodles

• Serve over cooked noodles for an Asian-inspired dish that complements the savory flavors perfectly.

On Skewers

• Thread meatballs onto skewers with vegetables for a fun and flavorful presentation at your next barbecue.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

For the best slow cooker honey garlic meatballs, follow these simple tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Frozen Meatballs – They hold their shape well during cooking and save prep time.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency – If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow it to reduce.
• Add Vegetables – Consider adding bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
• Taste Before Serving – Always taste the sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
• Keep Warm Setting – If serving at an event, use the warm setting on your slow cooker to keep meatballs hot without overcooking them.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your slow cooker honey garlic meatballs can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their sweet and savory flavors.

1. Steamed Broccoli – A healthy side that adds color and crunch; simply steam until tender.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes enhance the meal’s comfort factor; whip in some garlic for added flavor.
3. Coleslaw – A refreshing crunch that balances the sweet sauce; prepare with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing.
4. Quinoa Salad – Nutritious and filling; mix quinoa with diced veggies and a light vinaigrette.
5. Roasted Asparagus – Drizzle with olive oil and roast until tender for a flavorful green side dish.
6. Crispy Baked Potatoes – Bake until golden brown; serve with sour cream or chives for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Bold Ingredients: Forgetting to measure ingredients can lead to imbalance. Always measure your honey and soy sauce for the right sweetness and saltiness.
• Bold Overcooking: Cooking too long can dry out meatballs. Stick to the recommended 6 hours on low for juicy results.
• Bold Not Mixing Properly: If you don’t mix the sauce and meatballs well, you may end up with uneven flavor. Ensure all meatballs are coated in the sauce.
• Bold Using Fresh Garlic Incorrectly: If using fresh garlic, chop it finely instead of leaving large chunks. This ensures even flavor throughout the dish.
• Bold Ignoring Cookware: Using a slow cooker that’s too small can result in overflow. Make sure your slow cooker can accommodate all ingredients comfortably.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container.
• They will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water and reheat covered for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs, here are some common questions and answers.

Can I use different types of meat?

You can substitute chicken, turkey, or beef meatballs for variety while keeping the flavors delicious.

How long do I cook Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs?

Cook them on low for 6 hours for perfect tenderness and flavor infusion.

What should I serve with these meatballs?

They pair well with rice, noodles, or even as a filling in sandwiches or wraps.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chili flakes for heat or switch up honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize them with different meats or sauces based on your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 32 servings 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining sweet and savory flavors that appeal to everyone. Perfect for family gatherings or game day parties, these tender meatballs are easy to prepare and can be served as an appetizer or main dish. With just a handful of ingredients, this slow cooker recipe allows you to enjoy rich flavors with minimal effort. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. Whether you serve them on skewers, over rice, or in a delicious sandwich, you’ll have a hit on your hands that’s sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lbs frozen meatballs (chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb)
• 3 tbsp minced garlic (or 3 tsp garlic powder)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup honey
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup soy sauce

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Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
2. Pour melted butter into the slow cooker and add honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined.
3. Add frozen meatballs to the sauce in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly.
4. Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for about 6 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Appetizer/Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 meatball (50g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg