If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors all in one pot, you absolutely must try this Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe. It’s the perfect go-to for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort. These tender meatballs soaked in a glossy honey garlic sauce are certain to become an instant favorite in your household, delivering a beautiful balance of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe plays a key role in building depth and harmony in the dish. From the robust garlic to the sticky sweetness of honey, each element is vital, easy to find, and specifically chosen to make your cooking experience smooth and your result irresistibly tasty.
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs: The hearty base of this recipe, ready to soak up all the fantastic sauce flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a bold, aromatic punch that complements both the sweetness and savory notes.
- ¾ cup ketchup: Provides tang and body to the sauce, giving it a lovely red color and slight acidity.
- ½ cup honey: A natural sweetener that gives the sauce its signature glossy finish and gentle sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami depth without too much salt, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Intensifies the caramel-like sweetness and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
- 2 scallions (chopped): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of vibrant green color.
How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Meatballs
Start by giving your slow cooker a quick spray of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, simply place the frozen meatballs evenly in the base. This straightforward first step gets the foundation in place for your sauce to work its magic.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix the minced garlic, ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar until everything is thoroughly combined into a smooth, fragrant sauce. This blend is where all the bold, sweet, and savory flavors come together, making your meatballs irresistible.
Step 3: Coat the Meatballs With Sauce
Pour your freshly mixed sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat every single meatball so they soak up all that deliciousness evenly. This ensures every bite will have that perfect honey garlic glaze.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir the meatballs occasionally to keep them well-coated and to help the sauce thicken and caramelize beautifully over the cooking time. This step transforms frozen meatballs into tender, flavorful morsels.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped scallions on top. Their fresh crunch and mild oniony taste provide a bright contrast to the richness of the sauce, making every bite perfectly balanced and visually inviting.
How to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions is the classic choice here, lending a burst of color and subtle onion flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few toasted sesame seeds or a little fresh chopped parsley can also add texture and a fresh finish to your dish.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine when paired with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even buttered egg noodles. Each option helps soak up the luscious sauce, turning every forkful into a satisfying meal. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next party or family dinner, serve these meatballs on skewers as fantastic finger food or atop mini slider buns for a sweet-savory bite-sized sandwich. You can even drizzle extra sauce over a bowl of rice noodles for an unexpected twist on an Asian-inspired comfort dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making your leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool them before freezing or refrigerating.
Freezing
This Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply pack the cooled meatballs and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. They keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal at a moment’s notice without any extra prep.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Warm them slowly to retain their tender texture and the luscious, sticky honey garlic glaze that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work just as well—just adjust your cooking time if they are raw. This recipe is very forgiving and flexible when it comes to your meatball choice.
Is it possible to make the sauce thicker?
Yes! If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, or stir in a little cornstarch slurry to thicken it up quickly.
Can I prepare this recipe without a crockpot?
You can make it on the stovetop by simmering meatballs and sauce in a covered pan over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring often. The slow cooker just makes it more hands-off and convenient.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe?
This recipe is mild and sweet with no heat, but you can always add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the spice if you like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe—its simplicity, flavor, and versatility make it a staple worth keeping on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just craving something cozy, give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites. It’s that good!
Print
Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs cooked slowly to absorb a flavorful blend of garlic, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar, perfect for a hearty family meal or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the frozen meatballs evenly inside.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until well combined to create the honey garlic sauce.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours, or set to high and cook for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating.
- Serve: Once cooked and sauce has thickened slightly, sprinkle the chopped scallions over the meatballs for a fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- You can substitute frozen meatballs with fresh or homemade meatballs, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Serve these meatballs as an appetizer, main dish with rice or noodles, or in a sandwich.
- If thicker sauce is desired, remove the meatballs and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
