Print

Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

slow cooker honey garlic meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

These tender slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are a simple, fuss-free, and incredibly satisfying meal made with just five ingredients and cooked low and slow for juicy results. The sweet honey garlic sauce with toasted sesame seeds adds a luscious shine and subtle crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (plain, Italian seasoned, or panko)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup honey (raw or wildflower preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, about 20-24 meatballs. Keep hands wet to prevent sticking.
  3. Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce until smooth.
  5. Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over them. Toss gently to coat.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours until meatballs are tender and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  7. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  8. When done, gently stir meatballs to coat well in sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.
  9. If sauce is too thin, thicken by stirring in a cornstarch and water slurry and cooking on high for 15 minutes.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Browning meatballs before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor. Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain heat. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Use good quality honey and soy sauce for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. Ground turkey or chicken can be used but watch cooking time to prevent drying out. Sauce can be thickened with cornstarch slurry if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, honey garlic meatballs, easy dinner, 5 ingredient recipe, tender meatballs, slow cooker recipe, sesame seeds, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/tender-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-meal/