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Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe for a Crowd

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A simple and crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipe featuring frozen meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds frozen meatballs (pre-cooked beef or turkey preferred)
  • 1/2 cup honey (120 ml)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (80 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray or rub with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Place all 3 pounds of frozen meatballs evenly in the slow cooker; no need to thaw.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and gently stir to coat all meatballs.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours.
  6. About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
  7. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  8. Give the meatballs a gentle stir and taste the sauce; adjust sweetness or saltiness if desired.
  9. Serve warm, either on a serving dish or kept warm in the slow cooker.

Notes

Use frozen meatballs for best texture and to prevent them from falling apart. Fresh garlic is preferred over garlic powder for brightness. Adjust sweetness and tang by tasting before thickening the sauce. If sauce is not thick enough after adding slurry, add more cornstarch slurry gradually. Can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos and gluten-free meatballs. Vegan meatballs can be used for a plant-based version. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey garlic meatballs, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser, party food, comfort food, frozen meatballs

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/easy-slow-cooker-honey-garlic-meatballs-recipe-for-a-crowd/