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Cozy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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These slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are a sweet and savory crowd-pleaser that practically make themselves, perfect for easy entertaining and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for a lighter texture)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup honey (raw or local honey adds natural richness)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix gently but thoroughly without overworking.
  2. Form the mixture into 1 to 1 ½ inch meatballs using hands or a small cookie scoop for uniform size.
  3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches until golden on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  5. Place browned meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them and stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook uncovered until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Give the meatballs a gentle stir, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Browning the meatballs before slow cooking improves flavor and texture. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain steady heat. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Vegan adaptations include plant-based meatballs, maple syrup instead of honey, and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic, meatballs, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/cozy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-for-easy-crowd-pleasing-parties/