Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

I’m so happy to share my take on Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs—effortless, sticky-sweet bites that are perfect for dinner, game day, or snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how I can toss frozen meatballs and a simple honey-garlic sauce into the crockpot and walk away. The sauce clings to each meatball, becoming sweet, garlicky, and satisfyingly sticky. It always gets devoured whether I serve them over rice or offer them as appetizers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (28 oz) bag fully cooked frozen meatballs (about 2 lbs)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup honey

• ½ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

Directions

1. I combine brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic (plus red pepper flakes if I want a kick) in a bowl.

2. I place frozen meatballs in a 4–6 quart slow cooker.

3. I pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat them evenly.

4. I set the crockpot to Low and cook for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Once saucy and hot through, I switch to Warm or serve immediately.

I’ve seen similar versions cooked on High for about 2–3 hours, but I always prefer the deeper flavor Low heat offers.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 8 (as appetizer) or 4–6 (as main with rice)

• Prep time: ~5 minutes

• Cook time: 3–4 hours on Low (or 2–3 hours on High)

• Total time: about 3–4 hours

Variations

• I use chicken, turkey, or plant-based meatballs instead of beef—just ensure they’re fully cooked.

• I add red pepper flakes or use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist .

• I thicken the sauce by stirring in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.

Storage/reheating

I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days TikTok. To reheat, I warm them in the crockpot on Warm, microwave portions for 1–2 minutes, or heat gently on the stove with a little extra sauce.

FAQs

Can I put frozen meatballs directly in the crockpot?

Yes—I always use frozen, fully cooked meatballs straight from the bag. No need to thaw.

What’s the best cook setting and time?

I prefer cooking on Low for 3–4 hours for maximum flavor infusion. If you’re short on time, High for 2–3 hours works too.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, but make sure they’re fully cooked beforehand—or brown them first—so they hold together and cook evenly.

How can I thicken the sauce?

I add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water near the end of cook time and let it bubble for 10 minutes.

How long do leftovers last?

They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for a couple of months.

Conclusion

These honey garlic crockpot meatballs are a go‑to for their ease and irresistible flavor. Whether served as appetizers or paired with rice, they’re always a hit. I hope you enjoy making and devouring them as much as I do!

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