Honey garlic meatballs might just be the most versatile recipe you haven’t fully appreciated yet. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a standout party appetizer, this slow cooker honey garlic meatballs recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Featuring a sticky-sweet glaze made with ketchup, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce, these meatballs are irresistible. With the focus keyword “honey garlic meatballs” baked right in, you’re in for a savory treat that hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just 5 minutes of prep before your slow cooker does the rest.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Dual Purpose: Serves wonderfully as an appetizer or main dish.
- Customizable: Easily adjusted for spice, sweetness, or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (32-ounce) bag of frozen, fully cooked meatballs (approx. 50)
- Garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Honey Garlic Meatballs
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl—or directly in your slow cooker—whisk together ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Add Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs and mix thoroughly to ensure each one is well coated in the savory sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle a touch of garlic salt and pepper over the top.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Switch the slow cooker to warm until you’re ready to serve. Serve directly from the slow cooker, or ladle over a bed of rice and top with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the time to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
- Use Fresh Garlic: It enhances the flavor more than garlic powder.
- Double the Batch: Great for freezing leftovers or feeding a large group.
Substitutions And Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Low-Sugar Option: Swap brown sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit or Stevia.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based meatballs and agave instead of honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade meatballs? Absolutely! Be sure your meatballs are fully cooked prior to placing them in the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can prepare these on the stovetop. Mix the sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stir in the meatballs, and let them simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Freeze cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm leftovers either in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over low heat until fully reheated.
Conclusion
These honey garlic meatballs are the ultimate kitchen chameleon: easy enough for a weeknight, tasty enough for a celebration. Whether served solo or over rice, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Ready to make your next meal unforgettable? Try this recipe today, leave a review, and explore more comforting dishes right here on the blog!
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Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Honey garlic meatballs are the perfect slow cooker solution for busy days, parties, or cozy dinners. Toss everything into one pot for a sweet, savory, and satisfying dish that works as both an appetizer and a main course. Try it tonight and make mealtime easier and tastier!
Ingredients
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen, fully cooked meatballs (approx. 50)
Garlic salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: Cooked rice, sliced green onions, sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl—or directly in your slow cooker—whisk together ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Add Meatballs: Add the frozen meatballs and mix thoroughly to ensure each one is well coated in the savory sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle a touch of garlic salt and pepper over the top.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Switch the slow cooker to warm until you’re ready to serve. Serve directly from the slow cooker, or ladle over a bed of rice and top with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
Use plant-based meatballs for a vegan-friendly version.
Stovetop version: Simmer sauce and meatballs in a pan for 10–15 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 12g