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Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe with Easy Sesame Glaze

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Tender and flavorful meatballs slow-cooked in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze with toasted sesame seeds, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk (any kind; whole milk adds richness)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, soy sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sesame oil. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20-24 pieces, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side until golden.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar to prepare the sauce.
  5. Place the browned or raw meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over them.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until meatballs are fully cooked (internal temp 160°F) and tender.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, switch to high heat, and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Browning meatballs before slow cooking adds flavor and texture but can be skipped. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F for safety. Adjust saltiness by adding water or honey after cooking if needed. For gluten-free, swap panko breadcrumbs with almond flour and soy sauce with tamari. Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, honey garlic meatballs, sesame glaze, easy dinner, comfort food, crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/savory-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-with-easy-sesame-glaze/