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Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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Sweet, savory, and comforting slow cooker meatballs simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20 meatballs total.
  3. Optional: Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat with oil for 3-4 minutes until caramelized.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger until smooth.
  5. Place meatballs in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Pour honey garlic sauce evenly over meatballs.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered to thicken sauce, stirring gently.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or extra honey if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Optional browning of meatballs adds richer flavor and firmer texture but is not required. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain temperature. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari for gluten-free version. Plant-based meatballs and maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for vegan adaptation. Cornstarch slurry is essential to thicken the sauce properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic meatballs, comfort food, easy recipe, crockpot meatballs, party appetizer, family dinner

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/cozy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/