Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Frozen meatballs make this crock pot meal make this dish a breeze which it's a particular favorite of mine. They drastically cut down on the work and my family loves the final results. It's become a frequent dish served for dinner.

If you love the flavors, you've got to try this slow cooker teriyaki chicken or teriyaki beef! All go great especially over a bowl of fluffy white rice.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

• Family-friendly: These meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults when served for dinner with rice or noodles!
• Customizable. It's so easy to change up the flavors to make this dish to your own tastes. Make it sweeter or a bit spicy are just a few ideas. Be sure to check our variations section for more ideas and inspiration.
• Budget-friendly: These meatballs definitely won't break the bank. The homemade sauce relies on pantry staples and the meatballs don't require tons of ingredients to make.
• Great for Leftovers: Besides being tasty, this recipe stores well in the fridge for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Ingredients

• Meatballs: I used frozen homestyle meatballs; my favorite ones are from Sam's Club. Whatever brand you use choose homestyle meatballs that have only a basic seasoning, so you won't have any competing flavors in your final dish.
• Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks make this dish low prep but but you can also use fresh pineapple, and it works great as well.
• Bell Peppers: I love combining red and green bell peppers for their balanced flavor combination and an extra splash of color they give the dish. Feel free to use whatever color you can find and enjoy. Keep in mind that red, yellow, and orange have a sweeter flavor than green peppers.
• Soy Sauce: The base of the homemade teriyaki sauce for our meatballs. Use low-sodium or regular depending on your needs.
• Rice Vinegar: A bit of acidity balances out the salty and sweet flavors of the sauce. It's a milder vinegar made from rice and it works best with the Asian flavors of the sauce but you can use other vinegars such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if necessary.
• Sesame Oil: Added for flavor, it provides a nutty essence that works well in the sauce. I don't recommend swapping it as other oils may compromise the flavor.
• Honey: A bit of honey adds sweetness and a slight thickness to the sauce. Brown sugar will work in a pinch but the consistency and flavor might vary slightly.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce as it cooks. You can also use arrowroot flour or tapioca flour with similar results.
• Aromatics: Fresh garlic and fresh ginger are essential for the flavor of the sauce. In this recipe, I don't recommend trying to use powdered versions of either one.

See the recipe card at the end of the post for the full list of ingredients and the exact quantities of each one.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick. Add red pepper flakes, a few drops of sriracha, or chili oil for a bit of heat.
• Veggies. If you're looking to the boost the heartiness and nutrients in the dish as well as more flavor or texture, add in more vegetables like mushrooms, onions, broccoli, or baby corn for more flavor and texture.
• Swap the Beef: Use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef to make teriyaki meatballs. Both work equally well in the recipe.
• Gluten-Free: Use aminos, tamari sauce, or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free. Also check that the meatballs don't have gluten added to help hold them together.
• Use Leftover Sliced Meat: If you want to use leftover thinly sliced beef, pork, or chicken they will work too. It's a great way to repurpose leftovers. You can also use fresh but I suggest browning it in a bit of oil in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Time Saver: Use your favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of the homemade version. For a similar consistency you will need about 3 cups of liquid.

How To Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

1. Step 1: Load up the slow cooker. Add the meatballs, pineapple, and bell peppers to the crock pot.

2. Step 2: Make the sauce. Mix together the homemade teriyaki sauce ingredients in a bowl.

3. Step 3: Add sauce and cook. Pour the sauce over everything in the crock pot. Cook until the flavors have melded and the meatballs are heated through.

4. Step 4: Serve and enjoy. Serve your meatballs over rice or other side, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Storage

• Store Leftovers. Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag Defrost them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Place the leftovers in a saucepan with a splash of water and cook over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the slow cooker for 1-2 hours on high until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

We love these meatballs over white rice with some fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds sprinkled over the top. You can also serve it over brown rice or noodles, including soba noodles, rice noodles, and lo mein noodles.

The sweet and zesty flavor of these meatballs pairs perfectly with a variety of sides or appetizers like lettuce wraps or egg rolls to make a full, delicious meal.

Serve them with your favorite Asian-inspired mains dishes for a takeout feast! They go great with slow cooker Mongolian beef, sweet and sour chicken, or one of my most popular recipes sweet and sour chicken.

Finish off your meal with a yummy apple crisp or a warm and gooey chocolate lava cake, cream cheese wontons, or a traditional sticky rice for a simple dessert.

Recipe FAQs

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