Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped) - 2 cloves garlic (finely minced) - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional) The main ingredients for these meatballs are simple yet key. Ground beef gives them a rich taste. You can switch to turkey for a leaner meal. Breadcrumbs add texture, while Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick. Flavor enhancers are just as important. Fresh parsley gives a nice color and taste. Garlic adds a punch that pairs well with honey. Speaking of honey, it sweetens the sauce and balances all the flavors. For the sauce, low-sodium soy sauce keeps it savory without too much salt. Rice vinegar adds a touch of tang. If you want a deeper flavor, sesame oil is a great choice. This mix of ingredients makes the meatballs sweet and savory. To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix them together. Make sure everything is well blended, but be careful not to overmix. This keeps the meatballs tender. Next, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. You should end up with about 20 meatballs. Now, let’s make the honey garlic sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, if you are using it. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch and whisk until smooth. This will give your sauce a great texture and flavor. To start, I lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker. This helps keep the meatballs from sticking. Next, I place the meatballs in a single layer. This step is key. It allows the meatballs to cook evenly. Now, it's time to add flavor. I drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs. I make sure each meatball gets a nice coat of sauce. This helps enhance the sweet and savory taste. I cover the slow cooker and set the heat. For a slow cook, I choose low for 4-5 hours. If I want it faster, I set it to high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are ready when they are fully cooked and the sauce is warm. I check for the right thickness, too. {{image_4}} To make the best meatballs, keep a few tips in mind. First, avoid overmixing your meatball mixture. If you mix too much, your meatballs can turn out tough. I recommend using a cookie scoop. This gives you evenly sized meatballs. Uniform sizes cook at the same rate and look great on the plate. For the sauce, you may want to adjust its thickness. If you like a thicker sauce, cornstarch is your best friend. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch into the sauce. Whisk it well to avoid any lumps. This simple step makes a huge difference in texture. When it comes time to serve, think about presentation. You can serve these meatballs over fluffy rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Both choices add fun and flavor. For a finishing touch, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This not only adds a pop of color but also provides extra flavor. Your meal will look as good as it tastes! You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This makes the dish lighter and just as tasty. If you want a vegan option, try plant-based meat substitutes. They work great in this recipe. Just make sure to follow the same steps for mixing and cooking. The honey sauce can change with different types of honey. Try clover or wildflower honey for a new flavor. If you like heat, add sriracha or chili flakes. This gives the sauce a nice kick that many enjoy. Add veggies like bell peppers or onions for more flavor and nutrition. These can cook down in the slow cooker and blend well with the meatballs. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well and keep the meatballs nice and tender. To store leftover meatballs, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container to avoid condensation. This helps maintain their texture. For best results, freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure they are heated through to enjoy their full flavor. Incorporate honey garlic meatballs into your weekly meal prep. They are versatile and easy to pair with different sides. Try serving them with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also use them in sandwiches or wraps. This adds variety to your meals throughout the week. You can store honey garlic meatballs in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them instead. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the meatballs a day before. Just store them in the fridge. If you want, you can cook them and store the cooked meatballs in the fridge too. Reheat them before serving for the best flavor. You can serve honey garlic meatballs with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fluffy white rice - Brown rice for a healthier option - Spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb dish - Steamed broccoli or green beans for color and crunch - A fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the meatballs These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable! This blog covered how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. We discussed ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods. I shared tips for perfect meatballs and serving ideas. You can easily adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. These meatballs are great for meal prep or parties. Trust me, once you try them, they'll be a new favorite in your home. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!$

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Meatballs

Satisfy your cravings with these sweet & savory honey garlic meatballs! This easy recipe combines ground beef or turkey with a flavorful sauce that's perfect for any meal. In just a few simple steps, you'll have tender meatballs slow-cooked to perfection. Serve them over rice or zucchini noodles for a delightful twist. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this delicious dish!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for sauce thickening)

1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for added flavor)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until everything is evenly integrated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Lay the meatballs out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. You should yield approximately 20 meatballs.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch to the mixture and whisk until fully dissolved and smooth.

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with oil or cooking spray. Carefully place the meatballs into the slow cooker in a single layer.

Drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, ensuring that each meatball is well-coated for maximum flavor.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the meatballs on the low setting for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they are fully cooked through and the sauce is heated and has reached your desired thickness.

Once cooking is complete, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to ensure they are thoroughly coated before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the sweet and savory meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. For an elegant touch, garnish plates with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, adding not just flavor but a beautiful visual contrast.