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Easy Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

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A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe for tender meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (whole or 2%, room temperature)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried parsley or fresh if available
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey (raw or runny honey)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (to thicken sauce)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20-24 total, keeping them uniform in size.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
  4. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert, place meatballs in a single layer, and pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over them.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, pour into the slow cooker, stir gently, cover, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor. Add the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce without making it gluey. Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter protein option.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic meatballs, easy dinner, dump-and-go, weeknight meal, comfort food, crockpot meatballs

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-dump-and-go-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/