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- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To make tasty meatballs, I use a mix of ground beef and breadcrumbs. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. Fresh parsley gives a nice touch, while garlic adds depth. The egg helps bind everything together. - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) The sauce is where the magic happens. Honey brings sweetness, and soy sauce adds umami. Rice vinegar gives a tangy kick. Sesame oil adds a hint of nuttiness. If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch. - Cooked rice or noodles Serving your meatballs over rice or noodles makes the dish heartier. A drizzle of extra sauce adds flavor and keeps everything moist. You can also garnish with parsley or sesame seeds for a nice look. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your meatball ingredients. You need ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix them well. Use your hands to blend them, but don’t overdo it. This keeps the meatballs tender. The mixture should be sticky but hold together well. Next, shape the mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. This size helps them cook evenly. You should make around 20 to 24 meatballs. Place them on a plate as you go. Try to keep them round and uniform for even cooking. Now, let’s prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk these together until smooth. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water first. Then stir it into the sauce mixture. This will make it nice and glossy. Time to cook the meatballs! Place them in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Make sure each meatball gets coated. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker. You can choose low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. When they are done, the meatballs will be tender and full of flavor. Stir them gently in the sauce before serving. When making meatballs, I love using ground beef. It offers great flavor and tenderness. You can also use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter meal. Both options work well and keep the meatballs juicy. If you want extra flavor, try mixing different meats. A blend of beef and pork can make a tasty combination. The sauce is key to these meatballs. To make it just right, mix honey and soy sauce well. If you want a thicker sauce, add cornstarch. Mix it with water before adding it to the sauce. This helps it blend smoothly. Let the sauce simmer with the meatballs in the slow cooker. This ensures it thickens up nicely and clings to the meatballs. Presentation matters! For a beautiful dish, serve meatballs over fluffy rice or noodles. This adds a nice base and makes it look inviting. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for extra flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or sesame seeds. This adds color and crunch, making your meal more appealing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be a substitute, but fresh will elevate the dish significantly. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat and other ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and not dense. Make Extra Sauce: If you love extra saucy meatballs, consider doubling the sauce ingredients for a richer flavor to drizzle over rice or noodles. Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. {{image_4}} You can make these meatballs gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Many brands offer good options. Also, check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. There are many products available that taste great. For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground meat for plant-based options. You can use lentils or chickpeas as a base. Mix them with breadcrumbs and egg replacement. This way, you still get a nice texture. You can even add some chopped veggies for more flavor. Want to spice things up? Add some crushed red pepper for heat. A splash of ginger can give a nice zing. You can also mix in some chopped green onions for a fresh taste. If you love citrus, a bit of lime zest brightens the dish. After enjoying your slow cooker honey garlic meatballs, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. They can stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let the meatballs cool before sealing them up. This helps keep them moist and tasty. Want to save some meatballs for later? Freeze them for future meals! Place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavor intact and makes them easy to reheat. When it’s time to reheat, there are a few options. You can microwave the meatballs for a quick meal. Heat them on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. You can also use a stovetop pan. Just add a little sauce to keep them moist. Heat on low, stirring gently until warmed through. Enjoy them with rice or noodles for a delicious meal! You should cook meatballs in a slow cooker for about 4 to 6 hours on low. If you need them faster, use the high setting for 2 to 3 hours. Meatballs are done when they are cooked through and tender. Always check the meatball center for doneness. Yes, you can use different meats for this recipe. Ground chicken or turkey works well for a leaner option. If you prefer a richer taste, ground beef is perfect. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ground meats. Honey garlic meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them over cooked rice or noodles. Steamed veggies or a fresh salad also make a great side. Try to drizzle extra honey garlic sauce for more flavor. To thicken the sauce without cornstarch, try reducing it. Cook the sauce on the stove until it thickens. You can also add pureed vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. This adds flavor and nutrition, making your dish even better. This guide covered the main steps to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for success. We also explored variations and storage options, ensuring you can enjoy these meatballs later. Remember, you can customize flavors to suit your taste. With a little practice, you’ll serve a dish that will impress everyone. Enjoy making and sharing your honey garlic meatballs—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with chicken or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup seasoned or plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium for a healthier option)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for a thicker sauce)
  • to taste cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands for an even mix, but avoid overworking the meat.
  • With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate. You should end up with about 20 to 24 meatballs.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well blended. For a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in about 2 tablespoons of water, then mix it into the sauce.
  • Carefully place the meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they’re spaced evenly. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re well coated in sauce.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours, or choose the high setting for a quicker cooking time of 2-3 hours, depending on your schedule.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked through and tender, gently stir them in the sauce to coat evenly before serving.

Notes

For a delightful serving, plate the meatballs over a fluffy bed of rice or noodles. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds to add color and texture to your dish!
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, slow cooker