Honey Garlic Crock Pot Meatballs are one of my favorite “lazy cooking day” meals. Just toss them in the slow cooker, then set it and forget it! They make a hearty appetizer or delicious main dish with rice or noodles.
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However you choose to serve them, this easy, sweet-and-savory Crock Pot recipe is so good I bet you’ll be making it more than once. I definitely am!
If you like Grape Jelly Crock Pot Meatballs, Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs, Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs, or Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs, you'll love this dish too!
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Crock Pot Meatballs
- Crowd-Pleaser: These Crock Pot honey garlic meatballs pack a punch of bold flavor and plenty of protein, making them a great choice to serve to a large group who’s hungry.
- Fast and Easy to Make: Literally five minutes of prep is all you need! Then let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Versatile: It's easy to mix up what kind of meatball you use, plus you can pair the honey garlic meatballs with different sides like rice, noodles, or veggies to make your meals a little bit unique each time you serve these meatballs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Meatballs: Use any variety of frozen and fully cooked meatballs you like, whether beef, chicken, turkey, or pork. I prefer home-style meatballs for this recipe.
- Brown Sugar and Honey: These are what bring the comforting sweetness and molasses flavor to the dish. I recommend finding a plain honey flavor as opposed to a variety that’s more floral or fruity. You could also sub agave nectar for the honey, or leave it out if you want a version that’s less sweet.
- Ketchup: Ketchup adds a bit of acidity and tangy flavor to the sauce. Go for a high-quality ketchup without the high fructose corn syrup, since these meatballs are sweet enough without it!
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy and mild acidity to the sauce, and pairs well with the soy sauce flavor. You could try apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice instead, or leave this out if you don’t have any in your pantry.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Boosts the flavor of the sauce. You could also use regular soy sauce if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic and Yellow Onion: Finely diced fresh garlic and yellow onion give the sauce some extra oomph. You can increase the amounts if you prefer a stronger garlic taste. Use garlic paste or diced garlic from the jar if you’re short on time.
- Green Onion: A fresh and colorful garnish for the meatballs. You could also sprinkle on black sesame seeds, regular sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Kick Up the Heat: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or one tablespoon of sriracha into the sauce to add some spiciness.
- Go Meatless: If you're looking for a way to add some veggie meals, substitute the meatballs for a veggie version.
- Go Gluten-Free: Choose a meatball option with no gluten and use tamari instead of soy sauce for this garlic honey meatballs Crock Pot recipe.
- Try an Asian Twist: Replace one tablespoon of ketchup with hoisin sauce and substitute the soy sauce for tamari.
How To Make Honey Garlic Meatballs in the Crock Pot
Here’s how to make honey garlic meatballs in the Crock Pot. Basically you just need to whisk together the sauce and pour it over before cooking them!
- Step 1: Place Meatballs in the Crock Pot. Put them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Make the Sauce. Stir together the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Add in the chopped garlic and diced onion. Mix until well combined and pour over the meatballs.
- Step 3: Slow Cook. Add the lid to the top and cook on high for 2½-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.
- Step 4: Serve. Garnish with the chopped green onions or other toppings. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, you can stick a toothpick in each meatball. If you’re serving them with rice or noodles, feel free to add a little extra of the sauce on top. Yum!
Quick Hint
Use a slow cooker liner so cleanup is a breeze after your gathering or party.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Leftover meatballs keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge the day before, then heat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
These are so versatile! This frozen meatballs in the Crock Pot recipe can be used for a busy weeknight dinner, lunch leftovers, a potluck, or a laid-back weekend watching sports.
- Serve them as an appetizer for a tailgate, potluck, or party alongside Crock Pot White Queso Dip or Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip.
- Make the meatballs your main dish and serve over Slow Cooker Rice or noodles.
- Pair them with a side salad, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes, or Glazed Carrots.
- Make a sandwich or slider using your favorite rolls or baguette. Add extra sauce to the bread.
Expert Tips
- If you’re making meatballs from scratch. If you use homemade meatballs, be sure they are cooked through before adding sauce. This helps them hold their shape so they don’t get mushy. Cut one open to confirm they’re fully cooked before putting in the slow cooker. If not frozen you will not need to cook them for the full time.
- To avoid overcooking. Use a programmable slow cooker that will switch to the warm setting after the full cooking time has gone by.
- When freezing. To keep them from sticking together, place the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and leave in the freezer until the meatballs are completely frozen. Transfer all the meatballs to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can assemble everything in the crockpot and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours prior to cooking.
Yes, absolutely! You could also use the microwave, stove top, or an air fryer, too. If the sauce is too thick you can add some water to thin it out.
Go for a 6-quart Crock Pot or larger for this honey garlic frozen meatballs Crock Pot recipe.
Whisk together 1 Tablespoon cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of water, then mix in to thicken up the sauce. Cook a bit longer to allow the sauce to thicken. Repeat as needed until the sauce is the consistency you want.
More Crock Pot Meatball Recipes
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Crock Pot Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- ¼ tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 (28 oz) bag fully cooked, frozen meatballs I recommend using home-style meatballs in beef, chicken, pork, or veggie.
- 3 green onions (diced)
Instructions
- Add frozen meatballs to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Add brown sugar, honey, ketchup, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and onion in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined and pour over meatballs.
- Cover and cook on high for 2½ - 3 hours or low for 5 - 6 hours.
- Stir before serving and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- If you’re making meatballs from scratch. If you use homemade meatballs, be sure they are cooked through before adding sauce. This helps them hold their shape so they don’t get mushy. Cut one open to confirm they’re fully cooked before putting in the slow cooker. If not frozen you will not need to cook them for the full time.
- To avoid overcooking. Use a programmable slow cooker that will switch to the warm setting after the full cooking time has gone by.
- When freezing. To keep them from sticking together, place the meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and leave in the freezer until the meatballs are completely frozen. Transfer all the meatballs to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Claudia Lamascolo says
My son loves this recipe he makes them for every holiday a double batch and freezes some for himself (shush don't tell him I told you that!!) great recipe thanks!!
Ryan Allen says
They definitely make a great freezer meal.
Loree says
Brought these to a potluck and everyone enjoyed them. We put the sauce ingredients together the night before and then in the morning, sprayed the crockpot with Avocado spray, put in the meatballs (32oz bag) and poured the sauce on top. Our crockpot cooks hot, so it only took 3 hours on low. Will definitely be making again.
Ryan Allen says
That makes me so happy to hear.