5-Ingredient Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
These Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are the answer when you want a hit appetizer or an effortless dinner with almost zero work. Frozen meatballs do the heavy lifting while a sweet, garlicky soy glaze does its thing in the slow cooker.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels like you did something, but really you just whisked a few things together and walked away. And the whole house starts smelling incredible about an hour in.
Why These Meatballs Win Every Time
The glaze is sticky without being syrupy, sweet from honey with a salty soy backbone that keeps it from tasting like candy. By the time they’re done, the meatballs have soaked up so much flavor that every bite tastes deeply glazed, not just coated.
I love that the ingredient list is short enough to count on one hand. If you’ve got frozen meatballs in the freezer, you’re probably 5 minutes away from getting this going.
Ingredients
- 24 oz frozen homestyle meatballs: all-beef or a beef-pork blend work great; cocktail size also works.
- 1/2 cup honey: any variety, but a mild honey lets the garlic shine.
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: brings tang and helps the sauce thicken as it cooks.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: fresh gives the brightest punch; garlic powder works in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon).
Variations
- Spicy: stir 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Maple twist: swap half the honey with maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
- Homemade meatballs: use your favorite fully cooked meatballs; the sauce still works the same magic.
- Gluten-free: use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your frozen meatballs are certified gluten-free.
If you like sweet and savory meatballs, try our Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs next.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the 1/2 cup honey, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, and the minced garlic until smooth. It will be thin and dark, with a bold garlic scent that mellows beautifully as it cooks.
Step 2: Coat and Cook the Meatballs
Place the 24 oz of frozen meatballs into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top and stir gently to coat every meatball. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway if you can. The sauce will thicken slightly and the meatballs will be glossy and tender.
Step 3: Serve Them Up
Give everything a final stir, then spoon the meatballs into a serving bowl. Scatter toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the top. Set out toothpicks for an easy appetizer, or pile them over steamed rice for a quick dinner.
Tips for the Best Meatballs
- This recipe doubles without any fuss. Use a 6-quart slow cooker, double all ingredients, and keep the cook time the same.
- If you want a thicker, stickier glaze, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Homemade meatballs are fantastic here. Cook them fully first so they hold their shape, then proceed with the sauce.
Cook times based on your slow cooker setting:
| Setting | Time |
|---|---|
| LOW | 4-5 hours |
| HIGH | 2-3 hours |
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: microwave in 30-second bursts until hot, or warm in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
What to Serve With Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
Pile them over steamed jasmine rice with a side of quickly sautéed snap peas for a complete meal. For a fun handheld, stuff them into toasted slider buns with quick-pickled carrots and a drizzle of mayo. As an appetizer, they hold their own with nothing more than toothpicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Combine the sauce in a large pan, bring it to a simmer, add cooked meatballs, and cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and glazes the meatballs.
What if I only have garlic powder?
Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. The flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Maple syrup works and gives a deeper, slightly smoky sweetness. The glaze will be a bit thinner, so you may want to stir in a cornstarch slurry toward the end.
Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic until smooth.
- Place frozen meatballs in a slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and stir to coat. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours, stirring once halfway.
- Stir the meatballs, spoon into a serving dish, and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
