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Home » Blog Recipe Posts » Appetizers

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

May 7, 2025 by Sandy Leave a Comment

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe is a quick and easy appetizer or main dish that works well for parties, weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day. These Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are sweet, savory, and flavorful. These meatballs are great served with toothpicks for easy party snacking, or on mashed potatoes. With only a few minutes of prep time, this dump-and-go crockpot recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic meatballs in a white bowl with sesame seeds

 

Crockpot Meatballs for a Crowd

Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or serving up party food for a crowd, these slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are always a hit. The sticky, sweet sauce and tender meatballs are hard to resist.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Simply mix up the sauce and let the slow cooker do all the work.
• Perfect for Parties – These tasty meatballs are a favorite at tailgates, holiday parties, game nights, and family get-togethers.
• Versatile – Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or with potatoes, rice or noodles for an easy dinner.
• Kid-friendly – Kids love meatballs. The sweet and tangy sauce is always a favorite with kids and adults!

meatballs on a white plate with sesame seeds

For me, one of the best things about this recipe is using frozen meatballs. Such a convenience! No need to thaw, mix, or roll anything, just open the bag and dump them into the crock pot.

They save time without sacrificing flavor, making this recipe perfect for busy weekends, meal prep, or when you need an easy party appetizer.

Ingredients in This Meatballs Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs ingredients shot.
For exact amounts, please see the recipe card below.
There are only 6 Ingredients in Honey Garlic Meatballs: Ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, frozen homestyle meatballs.
Optional Garnish: sesame seeds, fresh cilantro

Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Tangy variation: Stirring in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar will brighten the flavor.
  • Pineapple Version: Add a can of drained pineapple chunks or some pineapple juice.

Tips for Success

  • Meatballs: Use homestyle meatballs, not Italian, to keep the flavor sweet and savory.
  • Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use frozen turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based meatballs and coconut aminos for a vegan and gluten-free option.
  • Make Extra Sauce: Double the sauce ingredients, (but keep the cook time the same).

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

whisking sauce in bowl, meatballs in crock with sauce.
1) Whisk together the sauce ingredients.
2) Add frozen meatballs to the crockpot and mix in the sauce.
3) Cook on Low for about 3 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs in a black crock

Make Ahead and Storage

• You can make these party meatballs ahead and reheat them when you're ready to serve.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

meatballs in a white bowl with sesame seeds

If you make Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs, let me know! Just leave a comment below with a star rating. I'd like to know your thoughts!

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Easy Appetizer Recipes

Baked Artichoke Jalapeño Dip
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Air Fryer Chex Mix
Easy Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

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Meatballs in a black crock
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 5 mins
 

These flavorful meatballs are great for appetizers, weeknight meals, tailgates, cocktail parties, and potlucks!

Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: feeding a crowd, party food
Servings: 10
Calories: 235 kcal
Author: Sandy Clifton
Ingredients
  • ½ cup Ketchup
  • ⅓ cup Honey
  • 4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce, or coconut aminos
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 32 ounce bag Frozen Homestyle Meatballs, not Italian style
Garnish
  • ½ Tablespoon Sesame Seeds
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro
Instructions
  1. In a medium sized bowl, combine the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic and whisk together until fully incorporated.
  2. Add the frozen meatballs to the crockpot and pour the ketchup mixture over the meatballs. Stir to coat the meatballs completely.
  3. Set the slow cooker to cook on Low for 3 hours, or until meatballs are heated through. Stir once halfway through cook time.

  4. When the meatballs have been completely cooked, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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Hi there! I’m Sandy - foodie with a passion for cooking and sharing my tasty recipes. My hubby Paul, our Pug Gizmo, and I live in Washington.

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs in a white bowl
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs in a white bowl
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs in a black crock
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs in a black crock