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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a luscious honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe balances sweet and savory flavors and offers versatile serving options like appetizers, main dishes, or party favorites.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a combination)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free panko/almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

For the Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free tamari for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup water or broth (to thin the sauce as needed)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid compacting the meat. Shape the mixture into even-sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter, for consistent cooking.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, tomato sauce, minced garlic, and water or broth to thin the sauce. This creates a sweet, garlicky base that will cook down into a sticky glaze.
  3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Arrange the meatballs evenly in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over them, ensuring the meatballs are well coated. Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  4. Cook Until Tender: Let the meatballs simmer slowly in the sauce. This slow cooking infuses flavor and keeps them tender and juicy. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature and time.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, gently stir to coat the meatballs in the thickened sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh parsley for a fresh burst of color and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs; mix gently until combined.
  • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make uniform meatballs for even cooking.
  • Adjust honey and soy sauce amounts to make the sauce sweeter or more savory as desired.
  • For extra flavor, brown meatballs quickly in a pan before adding to the slow cooker.
  • If the sauce is too thin after cooking, thicken by stirring in a cornstarch slurry and cooking for a few more minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, easy meatball recipe, gluten free meatballs, party appetizers, weeknight dinners

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs/