Description
Tender crockpot meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for parties, appetizers, or an easy weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into 20–24 meatballs.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If using cornstarch, mix it with water first, then whisk into the sauce.
3. Place meatballs evenly in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
5. Stir gently before serving and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for ground beef.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Meatballs and sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated separately.
For oven preparation, bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then toss with sauce on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg