Print

Cozy Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe Easy Comfort Dinner Idea

crockpot honey garlic meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, juicy meatballs glazed with a perfect honey garlic sauce, slow-cooked to cozy comfort. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind, dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet or plate. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
  4. Pour half of the honey garlic sauce into the slow cooker. Add the meatballs in a single layer if possible, then pour the remaining sauce on top. Stir gently to coat.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the crockpot sauce gently. Turn heat to HIGH and cook uncovered until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce, or extra honey if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. Add cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken sauce. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour and soy sauce with tamari. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker dinner, easy comfort food, weeknight dinner, crowd-pleaser, sweet and savory meatballs

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-crockpot-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-easy-comfort-dinner-idea/