Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Update : December 22, 2025

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. They are perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet and savory sauce adds a lot of flavor to the meatballs, making them a hit at family dinners, parties, or game day. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it!

how to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Ingredients :

40 oz Angus beef meatballs, frozen
6 Tbsp brown sugar
2/3 cup honey
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup soy sauce
6 garlic cloves, minced

Directions :

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are coated evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

how to serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking. They also go well over rice or noodles for a full meal. Add some steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced plate. Don’t forget the garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions to enhance the dish!

how to store Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool down before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

You can use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
If you like a thicker sauce, cook the meatballs on high for the last 30 minutes with the lid off.

variation (if any)

You can switch up the meatballs by using turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian option, there are meatless meatballs available in stores. The sauce will still work great with any of these options!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meatballs a day before. Just store them separately and combine them in the slow cooker when you are ready to cook.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of honey and brown sugar in the sauce. You can also add more soy sauce for saltiness to balance the sweetness.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra meatballs and sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.