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- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper The main ingredients in this recipe form the base of our meatballs. I use ground beef often, but chicken or turkey works too. Breadcrumbs add texture, while Parmesan brings a rich flavor. Onion and garlic give depth. The egg acts as a binder. Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they enhance everything. - 1 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tsp minced fresh ginger - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) The honey garlic sauce is sweet and spicy. Honey gives a nice sweetness. Soy sauce, or tamari, adds saltiness. Ginger brings warmth and spice. Red pepper flakes add heat. Adjust the flakes based on your taste. - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) For garnish, I like to use sliced green onions. They add color and a fresh taste. You can also use sesame seeds or chopped herbs if you want. To start, gather all your meatball ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper Mix these ingredients well. Use your hands to ensure each part blends together. You want a smooth, even mix. Next, shape the mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks well and stays juicy. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet. Now, let's make the honey garlic sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together: - 1 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tsp minced fresh ginger - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) Whisk until all ingredients blend smoothly. The sauce will be sweet and a bit spicy, perfect for your meatballs. It's time to cook! Place the shaped meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Make sure each meatball gets coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be tender and fully cooked. After cooking, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce. This helps coat them one last time. Enjoy your meal! To make great meatballs, size matters. Aim for meatballs about 1 inch wide. This size cooks evenly in the slow cooker. You want them firm but not too dense. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Mix the meat well but don’t overdo it. Overmixing can make them tough. Want to spice things up? Try adding more red pepper flakes for heat. For a deeper flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder. If you love sweet, add a bit more honey. You can also swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish. Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce before cooking. Adjust flavors to your liking! Slow cookers are great, but they can be tricky. Always layer meatballs in the sauce well. This ensures they cook evenly. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking; it lets heat escape. If your meatballs look dry, add a splash of water or broth. Cook on low for the best texture. Always check that they reach 165°F for safety. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change makes the dish lighter. Both options still taste great with the honey garlic sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Turkey and chicken can cook faster than beef, so check for doneness early. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You will still enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor. Just ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free. Want to mix it up? Try adding pineapple chunks to the sauce. This gives a nice sweet twist. You can also add sriracha for heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. Even a squeeze of lime can brighten the dish! These changes keep the meal fun and exciting. When you have leftover honey garlic meatballs, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the meatballs fresh. Place them in the fridge right after they cool. They will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool first. Spread them out on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last for up to 3 months. Just label the bag with the date. When you are ready to eat the meatballs, you can reheat them safely. The best way is to use the microwave. Place them on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. You can also reheat them on the stove in a pan with a bit of sauce. Just heat until they are hot all the way through. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead. Prepare them and shape into balls. Place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This saves time on busy days. If you freeze them, keep them in airtight bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Honey garlic meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them with: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Noodles - Roasted vegetables - A fresh salad These options balance the sweet and spicy flavors of the meatballs. You can skip breadcrumbs by using other options. Try these substitutes: - Oats: Use rolled oats or quick oats. - Ground nuts: Almonds or walnuts work well. - Cauliflower rice: It adds texture without gluten. - Mashed potatoes: This keeps the meatballs moist. Each option gives a unique taste and texture to your meatballs. This blog post covered how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. You learned about the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking in a slow cooker. I shared tips for perfect meatballs and fun variations to try. In my view, these meatballs are easy to make and taste great. Experimenting with different flavors can make each meal unique. Don't hesitate to store leftovers or freeze them for future meals. Enjoy the cooking and sharing experience!

Honey Garlic Meatballs Slow Cooker

Savor the delicious flavors of Sweet & Spicy Honey Garlic Meatballs that are sure to impress! This easy recipe combines ground beef or turkey with aromatic spices and a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce for a truly irresistible dish. Perfect for your next gathering or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are cooked to tender perfection in a slow cooker. Click through now to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tsp minced fresh ginger

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

    Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes until well mixed.

        Place the shaped meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are all well-coated.

          Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

            Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat them once more before serving.

              Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions on top.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 4-5 hours | Serves 4-6