Sticky, sweet, and savory all in one bite—Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are the kind of dish that disappears as fast as it’s served. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for a game day, or simply looking for a hands-off dinner idea, these meatballs deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the magic while the honey garlic sauce infuses each meatball with a bold, irresistible glaze.

What makes this recipe a staple is how versatile and crowd-pleasing it is. You can serve them over rice for a satisfying meal, toss them into sliders for a fun appetizer, or simply pile them on toothpicks and watch them vanish from the party platter. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy soy creates a sauce that’s perfectly balanced—and yes, it’s okay to want to lick the spoon.

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

You can go homemade or store-bought—it’s all about convenience. Frozen pre-cooked meatballs work great in this recipe, especially when you’re in a time crunch. However, if you want to go the extra mile, homemade beef or turkey meatballs add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before tossing them in the crockpot.

Ingredients for the Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Meatballs – You’ll need about 2 pounds of fully cooked meatballs. These act as the base and soak up all the sauce.

Honey – Brings that rich, sweet depth that defines this dish.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds punch and sharpness to balance the sweetness.

Soy Sauce – Gives the sauce its umami, salty depth. Use low sodium if you’re watching salt intake.

Ketchup – Adds body, tang, and a little sweet acidity to the sauce.

Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness and adds a bit of molasses richness.

Sesame Seeds – Optional, but they give a nice crunch and visual appeal.

Green Onions – For garnish, freshness, and a mild oniony bite.

How To Make the Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and freshly minced garlic until smooth. This will be your sweet and savory glaze that coats every bite.

Step 2: Add Meatballs to Crockpot

Place the fully cooked meatballs (frozen or homemade) into the crockpot. Spread them out evenly so they cook and soak up the sauce uniformly.

Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Meatballs

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, using a spoon to gently toss and coat them thoroughly. You want every meatball covered in that glossy, flavorful mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Stir once halfway through to ensure even coating. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks and infuses into the meatballs.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for crunch and color. Serve warm straight from the crockpot or transfer to a serving dish if you’re entertaining.

How to Serve and Store Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over steamed jasmine rice or buttered noodles for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer with cocktail picks—perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday spreads. Want a creative twist? Stuff them into a toasted sub roll and top with slaw for a flavorful sandwich.

To store, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or simmer on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce to give the meatballs a spicy kick.

Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken meatballs work beautifully and are a great lighter option.

Will the sauce thicken in the crockpot?

Yes, the sauce naturally thickens as it cooks, especially if you give it a good stir halfway through. If you want it thicker, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate everything without overcrowding. Stir well so the sauce reaches all the meatballs.

Do I need to defrost frozen meatballs first?

No need! Just toss them in frozen and let the slow cooker do its thing. They’ll cook evenly and absorb all the flavor.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

Rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even inside a slider bun. They’re flexible enough to work with whatever you have on hand.

Want More Savory Party Favorites?

If these Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are a hit at your table, here are more flavorful ideas to keep the party going:

• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for a creamy, comforting bowlful.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta that’s perfect for weeknight indulgence.
• One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta when you want heat with your creamy.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for an all-in-one cozy dinner.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a citrusy twist on classic flavors.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or dinner board so you can come back to it whenever you need a no-fuss crowd-pleaser.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you go spicy? Add a twist? Share your photos and tweaks in the comments.

Looking for even more dinner and party inspiration? Browse my daily recipes on Pinterest: Life with Nina

Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer or Main
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Asian-Inspired

Print Recipe

Description

Sticky, sweet, and savory—these Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are an easy, flavor-packed dish perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy these glazed bites of comfort.