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Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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An easy and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain, Italian seasoned, or panko)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended, almond milk as substitute)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening sauce)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 16-18 in total.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil for 3-4 minutes until crust forms.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  6. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are tender and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook until sauce is glossy and sticky.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with sauce spooned over the meatballs.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the slow cooker to allow even cooking. Browning meatballs before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Add cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid lumps. Adjust sauce thickness with water or broth if needed. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter protein alternative. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari can be used for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic meatballs, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef, crockpot recipe

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/cozy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/