Description
A simple, sticky, and savory 5-ingredient appetizer perfect for game day. These slow cooker meatballs are sweet, salty, and tender, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup (120ml) honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 large egg (optional, for binding)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for firmer texture)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg (if using), breadcrumbs (if using), salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- In a small bowl or microwave-safe bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, remaining minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Microwave for 15-30 seconds if honey is solid to make it pourable.
- Place the meatballs in a 4-quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and gently turn them to coat. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. Do not cook on HIGH for more than 2 hours. Stir gently halfway through cooking.
- Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving warm with toothpicks.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. The sauce will thicken as it cools; add a splash of water or extra honey to loosen if needed. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and omit breadcrumbs. Turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef, but add olive oil to keep them moist and reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs per se
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 12
Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, honey garlic meatballs, game day appetizer, football party food, easy appetizer, 5 ingredient recipe, slow cooker appetizer