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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs: Perfect Game Day Bites

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Juicy, tender meatballs coated in a glossy sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for game day, potlucks, and any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground pork or beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced (4 for meatballs, 4 for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit 2-3 minutes until soft and pasty.
  2. Add ground meat, eggs, 4 minced garlic cloves, Parmesan, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently with hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (Makes about 36-40 meatballs.)
  4. Optional but recommended: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Brown meatballs in batches on 2-3 sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, remaining 4 minced garlic cloves, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Pour over meatballs in slow cooker. Gently stir to coat.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour into slow cooker and stir gently. Cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and parsley. Serve directly from slow cooker on ‘Warm’ setting with toothpicks or small forks.

Notes

Browning the meatballs first adds flavor but can be skipped. For a thicker sauce, add an extra cornstarch slurry if needed. Meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the slow cooker. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, honey garlic meatballs, game day appetizer, party meatballs, easy meatballs

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/easy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-perfect-game-day-bites/