On busy days when you still want something warm, comforting, and satisfying, these slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are exactly what you crave. Toss a handful of simple ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
As they cook, the sweet, savory aroma of honey and garlic fills the kitchen. By the time they’re ready, the meatballs are tender, glossy, and coated in a rich sauce that feels both cozy and indulgent—perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or an easy meal over rice.
For the Meatballs
- Frozen Meatballs – Fully cooked meatballs make this recipe incredibly easy. You can add them straight from the freezer, no thawing or browning required.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Brown Sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory flavors in the sauce.
- Honey – The star of the sauce, giving it a sticky glaze and natural sweetness that coats every meatball.
- Ketchup – Brings a tangy, slightly sweet base that helps round out the sauce and gives it body.
- Soy Sauce – Adds salty, umami flavor that keeps the sauce from being overly sweet.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor as it cooks low and slow.
How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
These slow cooker honey garlic meatballs come together with almost no prep and deliver big, crowd-pleasing flavor. Frozen, fully cooked meatballs simmer gently in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce, making this dish perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game day spreads.
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Servings: 6
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Calories: 290 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 735mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz. fully cooked, frozen meatballs
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir together the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined. Add the meatballs and toss until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. If you like, garnish with sesame seeds, chopped parsley, or cilantro. Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or piled onto a sandwich.
- If you prefer extra sauce, simply double the sauce ingredients.
- For a spicy kick, add 1–2 tablespoons sriracha.
- A small sprinkle of garlic salt can add an extra layer of flavor.
Calories: 290 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 735mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg
- Can I use raw meatballs instead of fully cooked frozen ones?
No, this recipe works best with fully cooked frozen meatballs. They heat through and soak up the sauce perfectly. If you only have raw meatballs, cook them first before adding them to the slow cooker. - Can I make extra sauce?
Yes! If you want more sauce for dipping or serving over rice, simply double the sauce ingredients. It’s an easy way to make the recipe even saucier without changing the cooking time. - Do I have to stir the meatballs while they cook?
Not necessarily. The meatballs will still cook well without stirring. But if you want the sauce to coat every meatball evenly, a quick stir once or twice during cooking helps. - Can I cook this on high instead of low?
You can, but cooking on low for 3–4 hours gives the best texture and flavor. High will cook faster (around 2–3 hours), but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and the meatballs might be slightly less tender. - What should I serve these with?
These meatballs are versatile! Serve them over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, in slider buns, or even as an appetizer with toothpicks. They’re easy, family-friendly, and perfect for any meal.
