If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to make, yet absolutely packed with flavor, these Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs are the answer. Imagine tender meatballs coated in a sticky-sweet, savory glaze, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a special treat, these meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
This dish balances the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a touch of heat to give it an extra kick (if you choose to add red pepper flakes). Serve them over rice or noodles, or enjoy them on their own – either way, they are an irresistible bite-sized delight. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients for Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs
You won’t need to run to a specialty store for these ingredients – they’re simple, easy to find, and perfect for a satisfying meal:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs
1. Prepare the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. The breadcrumbs will help to bind the meatballs, while the Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy flavor that will take your meatballs to the next level.
Make sure the mixture is uniform so that the meatballs cook evenly. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water or more egg to adjust the texture. The key is to make sure the mixture isn’t too wet, as you want the meatballs to hold their shape during browning and cooking.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Once the meat mixture is ready, roll it into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This size ensures the meatballs cook evenly and are easy to serve. You can use a small ice cream scoop or just your hands to shape them. Arrange the meatballs on a plate or tray as you go.
If you’re making these for a party or gathering, feel free to make them slightly smaller, but don’t go too tiny, or they may fall apart during the browning or slow cooking process.
3. Brown the Meatballs
While the meatballs are shaping, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil helps to brown the meatballs, adding flavor and texture. Working in batches, add the meatballs to the skillet. Brown them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker with the honey glaze. Just focus on getting that beautiful golden crust!
Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to the slow cooker. Continue until all the meatballs are browned.
4. Make the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). This combination creates a perfectly balanced glaze – the honey brings sweetness, the soy sauce adds depth and saltiness, and the mustard and vinegar give it a tangy zing. The red pepper flakes are optional but add a lovely spicy kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey; if you want it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes. This glaze is what makes the meatballs so irresistible!
5. Slow Cook the Meatballs
Once your meatballs are browned and the glaze is ready, it’s time to let the slow cooker do its magic. Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker and pour the honey glaze evenly over them. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir, ensuring all the meatballs are coated in the delicious honey glaze.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to absorb all of the glaze’s flavor, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once your meatballs are ready, remove them from the slow cooker and serve! You can enjoy them as a delicious appetizer, served alongside toothpicks for easy eating. Or, for a more filling meal, serve the honey-glazed meatballs over steamed rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce. Either way, these meatballs will be a hit.
Let them rest for a few minutes to cool slightly, and then dig in! The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat is sure to steal your heart.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs:
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving (1 serving = 2-3 meatballs)
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
These meatballs are a flavorful but balanced choice for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking to cut back on the carbs, feel free to serve them with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice.
Why You’ll Love Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs
Effortless Cooking
One of the best things about these honey-glazed meatballs is that they are effortless to make. You only need to prep the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and let your slow cooker work its magic. It’s a perfect meal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends when you want to make something delicious without standing in the kitchen for hours.
Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Flavor
These meatballs offer the ultimate flavor combination. The sweetness of honey meets the savory depth of soy sauce and Parmesan, while the Dijon mustard and vinegar provide just the right amount of tang. Add a pinch of spice with the red pepper flakes, and you have a dish that hits all the right notes.
Versatile and Customizable
Not only are these meatballs versatile in terms of serving options, but they can also be easily customized to suit your taste. For instance, if you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can swap it for yellow mustard. If you want a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the glaze. The options are endless!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatballs
How Do You Keep Meatballs from Falling Apart?
To ensure your meatballs stay intact, make sure the mixture is well-combined before shaping. Use breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs, and don’t skip the browning step – it adds flavor and helps them hold together. Also, make sure the meatballs aren’t too large; this will help them cook more evenly.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I Make the Glaze Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier glaze, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or even add a touch of hot sauce. It’s all about adjusting the flavors to your liking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Just shape them and refrigerate them until you’re ready to brown and cook them. This makes meal prep easy and quick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or slow cooker until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Meatballs?
Absolutely! These meatballs freeze wonderfully. After browning them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. To reheat, thaw and slow cook until heated through.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved these Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
- Creamy Meatballs with Crispy Bacon
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Conclusion
These Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to steal the show at your next meal. Try them out, and let the delicious flavors win over your heart!
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Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Meatballs offer a perfect combination of sweetness and savory goodness. Cooked low and slow, they become incredibly tender and juicy, all while being bathed in a luscious honey glaze. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main course, they’re sure to please every crowd and take minimal effort to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
For the honey glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker. Pour the honey glaze over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or on noodles. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the glaze.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (low setting)
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (about 2 meatballs per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Meatballs, Honey-Glazed Meatballs, Sweet and Savory Meatballs, Easy Meatballs, Party Meatballs, Tender Meatballs, Savory Meatballs, Meatball Recipe, Slow Cooker Recipe, Honey Glaze