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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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These cozy slow cooker honey garlic meatballs feature a sticky, sweet-savory glaze and are perfect for easy, hands-off dinners that feel special. The slow cooker method infuses the meatballs with flavor and gives the glaze an irresistible sticky texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork for extra juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for light texture)
  • 1/4 cup milk (helps keep meatballs moist)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature (binds the meatballs)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds savory depth)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but recommended for richness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or parsley (for a hint of freshness)
  • 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw or organic)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if watching salt)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (the star flavor)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (adds bright acidity)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, adds a toasty note)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening the glaze)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20-24 total. Place on a plate lined with parchment paper.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  5. Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over them.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until sauce is glossy and thickened.
  8. Gently stir to coat meatballs well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Browning meatballs before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use non-dairy milk. Stir slurry gently to avoid breaking meatballs. Adjust seasoning after cooking. Sauce thickens further when chilled; reheat with splash of water if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic, meatballs, easy dinner, sticky glaze, comfort food, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-easy-sticky-glaze-tutorial/