These Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs are a tasty treat! With sweet honey and a hint of garlic, they are slow-cooked to perfection, making them super tender and full of flavor.
Making these meatballs is a breeze! Just mix everything, toss them in the crockpot, and let it do its magic while you enjoy a book or binge-watch your favorite show. It’s that easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Meatballs: You can choose beef or turkey meatballs based on your preference. If you want a healthier option, look for chicken or plant-based meatballs. Homemade meatballs can work too, but frozen are super convenient!
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you need a vegan option, try maple syrup or agave nectar. They will still provide that nice glaze and flavor!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but for a gluten-free version, use tamari. Liquid aminos or coconut aminos are great alternatives too if you want something milder.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a stronger flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just measure out about 1 teaspoon for every 2 cloves needed.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar is preferred for its mild flavor. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute. You can also use white wine vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Meatballs in a Crockpot?
Cooking meatballs in a crockpot is about balancing flavor with moisture. The key is to get them well coated in the sauce so they soak up all that deliciousness! Here’s a quick guide:
- In a bowl, mix all your sauce ingredients before adding to the crockpot. This ensures even flavor!
- Place frozen meatballs directly in the crockpot. No need to thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you’re short on time, high for 2-3 hours works as well!
- Remember to stir occasionally to help the meatballs soak up the sauce evenly.
This method leads to tender meatballs that burst with flavor! Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Delicious Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs and Sauce:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (or 4 cloves, minced)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnishing:
- Chopped green onions (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to cook, depending on your crockpot setting. You can cook it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. It’s super simple and gives you time to relax while the flavors meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if you’re using it), black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Whisk everything together until well blended. This will be your sweet and savory sauce!
2. Set Up the Crockpot:
Now, take your frozen meatballs and place them directly into the crockpot. No need to thaw them! Just drop them in since they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.
3. Coat the Meatballs:
Pour the honey garlic sauce you made earlier over the meatballs. Make sure all the meatballs are evenly coated with that delicious sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. If you’re using the low setting, let it cook for 4-6 hours; if you’re in a hurry, set it to high for 2-3 hours. During cooking, give the meatballs a little stir occasionally to keep them well-coated in the sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the meatballs are heated through and tender, they are ready to serve! Scoop them into a bowl and drizzle some of the sauce from the crockpot over the top. If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions on for a nice garnish. You can enjoy these meatballs as a tasty appetizer or serve them over rice for a filling meal.
Dig in and enjoy the sweet and savory flavor of your honey garlic meatballs!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh meatballs, reduce the cooking time. Cook on low for about 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until they are cooked through and tender. Fresh meatballs will absorb the sauce flavors quickly!
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the taste slightly, but they will still pair nicely with the honey and garlic.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled meatballs and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
