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- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese To start, you need the main ingredients. Ground beef or turkey gives the meatballs their base. I love using turkey for a lighter touch, but beef works great too. Next, add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. They help bind the meatballs and keep them moist. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Now, let’s talk about flavor enhancers. Mince 2 cloves of garlic for a burst of taste. One teaspoon of onion powder gives depth. A bit of salt and black pepper adds balance. For the sweet and sticky sauce, mix 1/2 cup honey with 1/4 cup soy sauce. The rice vinegar and sesame oil add tang and richness. - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds Finally, consider garnishing. Sliced green onions add color and crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top makes your dish look fancy and inviting. These simple garnishes elevate your meal, making it more appealing to the eye and taste buds. - Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix these well until the texture is even. This step is key for great flavor and texture. - Shaping the meatballs: Next, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size. You should get around 20-24 meatballs. Make sure they are uniform to ensure even cooking. - Whisking the sauce ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. This sweet and savory sauce adds depth to the meatballs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. - Placing meatballs in the slow cooker: Place the shaped meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure they are spaced out and not crowded. Then, pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated. This helps them absorb the sauce while cooking. - Cooking times for low and high settings: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through and tender when done. The slow cooking method makes the meatballs juicy and flavorful. - Thicken the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step is optional but can give a nice texture to the sauce. - Final steps for serving: Once cooked, carefully transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Serve over jasmine rice or with toothpicks for easy eating. Enjoy your tasty weeknight meal! To get the right texture for your meatballs, mix all ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Aim for small balls, about one inch wide. You should get 20 to 24 meatballs from this recipe. To avoid dry meatballs, don’t skimp on the egg and breadcrumbs. They help keep the meat moist and tender. For deeper flavor, let your meatball mixture sit for a bit. Marinating for just 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to blend. If you want a sweeter dish, add a bit more honey. For a saltier kick, increase the soy sauce slightly. Taste the sauce before cooking to find the perfect balance. Serve your meatballs over jasmine rice for a lovely meal. You can also use toothpicks for easy serving. This makes a great party dish! To add visual appeal, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. A drizzle of honey on top can make it look extra special. {{image_2}} You can easily change the meat in these meatballs. Ground chicken works well. It gives a lighter taste and is healthier. You can also swap in veggie substitutes like lentils or chickpeas. These options make the dish plant-based and tasty. For flavor, try different sauces. You can use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce. It adds a sweet twist. If you want low-carb options, skip the breadcrumbs. You can use ground almonds or crushed pork rinds instead. This keeps the meatballs tasty without the carbs. For gluten-free needs, look for gluten-free soy sauce. It keeps the flavor while meeting dietary needs. If you're dairy-free, leave out the Parmesan cheese. Your meatballs will still taste great. To spice things up, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture. This gives a nice kick and warms up your meal. For a fresh twist, try adding citrus. A little lime or lemon juice in the sauce brightens the flavor. It also makes the dish feel lighter and more vibrant. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to find your favorite! Store your leftover meatballs in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to four days. Make sure to separate the sauce from the meatballs if you want the best flavor. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. This helps to avoid spills and keeps your food safe. You can reheat meatballs in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the meatballs in a bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. On the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. This keeps the sauce nice and thick. To freeze your meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, you can microwave them on low. Slow cooker honey garlic meatballs last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the meatballs cool down before sealing them in the container. This helps keep the sauce from getting soggy. Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use 2 pounds of meat and double the other ingredients. Make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold the extra meatballs and sauce. This way, you can serve more people and still enjoy the sweet, sticky goodness. You have many tasty options to serve with honey garlic meatballs. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed jasmine rice - Mashed potatoes - Noodles or pasta - A fresh green salad These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the meatballs. Absolutely! You can make the meatballs and sauce a day ahead. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. When you’re ready, pop them in the slow cooker and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. This makes meal prep so easy! We covered the essentials for making Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs. You learned about the key ingredients, like ground beef or turkey and flavor boosters like honey and soy sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect meatballs. Remember, you can tweak this recipe to fit your tastes. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and flavors. Now, go ahead and make your own delicious meatballs!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of Sticky Sweet Honey Garlic Meatballs that are perfect for any gathering! With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create tender meatballs coated in a rich honey garlic sauce using simple ingredients. Ideal for serving over rice or as bite-sized appetizers, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your next meal with these delicious meatballs!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

    Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.

      Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.

        Slow Cook: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, then pour the honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.

          Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

            Thicken the Sauce (optional): If you'd like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

              Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Add a drizzle of additional honey or sprinkle of sesame seeds for eye-catching presentation.