Description
An easy, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker dinner featuring sweet and savory honey garlic sauce coating tender meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24–30 frozen meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based), about 1.5 lbs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1/2 cup of water until the honey is mostly dissolved.
- Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours (or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours if short on time).
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with crusty bread. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Do not thaw the meatballs before cooking; frozen meatballs hold their shape better. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Fresh ginger is preferred over ground for better flavor. The sauce will thicken in the fridge; add a splash of water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs per serv
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 18
Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic meatballs, easy dinner, weeknight meals, crockpot recipes, kid-friendly, meal prep