Description

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are tender, juicy beef meatballs simmered in a rich, glossy homemade teriyaki sauce with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or party appetizers. Serve them over rice for a comforting family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing snack. If you are looking for easy dinner ideas, flavorful slow cooker meals, or food ideas that feel restaurant-quality with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

2. Shape the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs.

3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, turning to lightly sear all sides. They do not need to cook through.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.

5. Place the meatballs into the slow cooker and pour the sauce evenly over them.

6. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

7. Gently stir to coat in the thickened sauce, then garnish with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Use 85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.

If the sauce thickens too much after cooking, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water before serving.

These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container with sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 320
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: slow cooker teriyaki meatballs, easy dinner recipe, crockpot meatballs, party appetizer, meal prep dinner