Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

$- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickness) The main ingredients for honey garlic meatballs make this dish simple yet tasty. Ground beef or turkey forms the base. You mix in breadcrumbs, cheese, and parsley for flavor. The egg helps bind the mix together. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Honey and soy sauce create the sweet and salty sauce. You can enhance your meatballs with some extra ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Chopped bell peppers for crunch - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Sesame oil for a nutty flavor - Green onions for garnish These optional ingredients can change the taste and texture. Feel free to experiment! If you have specific needs, substitutions work well. Try these: - Use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey for a lighter meatball. - Swap breadcrumbs with ground oats or almond flour for gluten-free. - Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option. These swaps help you enjoy this dish, no matter your dietary choices. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, an egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, mix all these items. Use your hands to blend them well but don’t overmix. You want a good texture for the meatballs. Once your mixture is ready, form it into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch wide. Place each meatball on a baking tray as you go. This helps keep them organized. After shaping all the meatballs, it's time to cook. Place them in your slow cooker. In a different bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. If you like a thicker sauce, add cornstarch mixed with water. Pour this sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure they are well coated. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. When they are done, stir the meatballs gently in the sauce before serving. To make your meatballs tender, use a mix of ground beef and turkey. The turkey keeps them light. Don't overmix the meat; just blend until combined. Form the meatballs gently, about one inch wide. This keeps them soft during cooking. Always let them rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to settle. If your sauce is too thin, cornstarch is your friend. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water. Stir until smooth, then add it to your sauce. Let it cook for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken up nicely. You can also cook on high for the last 30 minutes to reduce the sauce. Serve the meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce for a tasty touch. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for color. Pair them with steamed rice or noodles for a full meal. You can also add a side of veggies for more nutrition. Enjoy these bites at parties or family dinners! {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey is a great choice. It is leaner than beef but still tasty. You can also use ground chicken. Both options make the dish lighter but just as yummy. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you switch to turkey or chicken. They may cook faster than beef, so keep an eye on them! For a gluten-free version, you can swap regular breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. They work the same way and keep your meatballs moist. You can also switch soy sauce to tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce. It adds the same flavor without the gluten. These changes keep your meal safe for those with gluten issues. Want to add some heat? Mix in red pepper flakes or chili sauce. This will give your meatballs a spicy kick! If you love sweetness, try adding more honey. You can also add some pineapple juice for a fruity twist. Both options play well with the honey garlic sauce. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun! To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep the meatballs in the fridge for up to three days. Use a shallow dish for quick cooling. This helps keep them safe to eat later. Reheat meatballs in the microwave for quick meals. Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. Heat for about one to two minutes. You can also reheat them on the stove. Just warm them in a pan over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. Freezing meatballs is great for meal prep. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer bag, removing all air. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze meatballs for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you always have a tasty meal ready. You should cook slow cooker honey garlic meatballs for 4 to 5 hours on low. If you're in a hurry, cook them for 2 to 3 hours on high. This ensures the meatballs get tender and soak up all that sweet sauce. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in a slow cooker. Just add them to the pot and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. This method saves you time and still gives you tasty meatballs. Serve honey garlic meatballs with steamed rice or noodles. They also pair well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich topped with cheese. The options are endless! In this post, we explored how to make delicious honey garlic meatballs. We covered essential ingredients, simple steps to prepare and cook them, and tips for perfect results. You learned about variations for different diets and storage methods for leftovers. Try these meatballs at home. They are easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find what makes your meals shine!$

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Get ready to impress at your next dinner with these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs! This easy recipe combines juicy meatballs with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy nights. Whether you use beef or turkey, these flavorful bites are sure to be a hit. Click through to discover the simple steps for making this delicious dish and serve them with rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup honey

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

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickness)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking tray.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water before adding to the sauce.

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring the meatballs are well coated.

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

Once done, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce again before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs on a large platter drizzled with extra sauce and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flair. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!