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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs are a delicious and effortless meal featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy days, this recipe combines sweet and savory flavors for a family-friendly dish that can be served as a main course, appetizer, or party snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef, pork, or a mix
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water or broth

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and avoid overworking the mixture.
  2. Form and Brown the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat and quickly sear the meatballs on all sides until lightly browned. This adds flavor and helps them hold together in the slow cooker.
  3. Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and water or broth until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Combine and Slow Cook: Place browned meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring all meatballs are coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are thoroughly cooked and tender.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Before serving, gently stir to coat meatballs evenly with the thickened sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and color.

Notes

  • Make meatballs uniformly sized to ensure even cooking.
  • Do not skip the searing step as it enhances flavor and texture.
  • Use low setting on the slow cooker when possible for better tenderness and flavor infusion.
  • If sauce is too thin after cooking, thicken with a cornstarch slurry on the stove before serving.
  • Adjust honey and vinegar amounts in the sauce to your taste preference before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, honey garlic meatballs, easy dinner, party appetizers, make-ahead meals

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs/