These Honey Garlic Meatballs offer a balance of sweetness with a hint of heat. They can be made in the slow cooker using frozen meatballs of your choice including beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based options. The sauce used is similar to that in a popular crockpot honey bourbon chicken but adapted to avoid confusion, focusing solely on honey and garlic flavors.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
Experience the simplicity and savory sweetness of Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs. This recipe promises a harmonious mix of honey's sweetness with the boldness of garlic, enveloping each juicy meatball. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, its flavors are designed to impress without the need for intricate preparation. Let your slow cooker transform simple ingredients into a dish that speaks volumes of comfort and taste.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (6 quart recommended)
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Veggie Chopper (optional)
Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs: Any variety you prefer (beef, turkey, chicken, pork, plant/veggie), ensure they're fully cooked.
- Honey: Local honey is recommended for its freshness and quality.
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium variant recommended to regulate sodium intake.
- Ketchup: For a tangy, acidic touch to the sauce.
- Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Garlic: Fresh minced or packed in oil.
- Onion: Half an onion, diced (white onion preferred).
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, oil, minced garlic, diced onion, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk these ingredients together well.
- Cook: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and stir to ensure even coating. Cover with the lid. Set the cooker on HIGH and cook for 2.5-3 hours.
- Serve: After cooking, give the meatballs a good stir. They can serve topped with sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs with a side of rice or mashed potatoes and a vegetable like roasted carrots or zucchini for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer, simply stick toothpicks in them for easy serving.
Substitutions and Additions
- The recipe is flexible, allowing for different types of meatballs.
- Reduce the honey to half a cup if you prefer less sweetness.
- Low sodium soy sauce is best , but regular can also.
- For those sensitive to spice, the red pepper flakes can omit.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For single servings, microwaving is quick and convenient. For larger portions, reheating in the slow cooker distributes heat evenly.
FAQs
- Frozen meatballs in slow cooker? Yes, as long as they have enough time to fully cook/thaw (minimum 2 hours).
- Cooking time for frozen meatballs? Typically, 2.5-3 hours on HIGH or 4-6 hours on LOW, depending on your slow cooker.
- Thawing meatballs before? Not necessary if the cooking time is at least 2 hours, but advisable for shorter cook times or specific recipes.
This simplified recipe should guide you in creating delicious Honey Garlic Meatballs using a crockpot. Enjoy your cooking!
