Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs: 5 Simple Steps

January 11, 2026

Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs has been my go-to recipe for family gatherings. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a delightful glaze that coats each meatball perfectly. I remember the first time I served these at a party; the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t resist coming back for seconds. These easy crockpot meatballs with honey and garlic are not just delicious; they’re a breeze to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Deliciously sweet and savory honey garlic meatballs that everyone will love.
Quick prep time of just 5 minutes!
Perfect for meal prep or easy family dinners.
Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Great for parties, making them a hit appetizer.
They can easily be made gluten-free.
Versatile recipe allowing various protein options like honey garlic meatballs with ground beef.

Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Here’s everything you need for these flavorful meatballs:

32 oz frozen meatballs – I prefer using pre-cooked for convenience.
0.5 cup honey – adds a natural sweetness.
0.5 cup soy sauce – provides a savory umami flavor.
0.25 cup ketchup – adds a tangy depth.
0.25 cup brown sugar – enhances the sweetness and caramelization.
4 cloves garlic, minced – the star ingredient for flavor.
1 tablespoon cornstarch – for thickening the sauce.
2 tablespoons water – helps dissolve the cornstarch.

Delicious Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs served in a bowl with a rich, glossy sauce, ready to eat

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic until smooth.
Step 2: Place frozen meatballs into the Crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir it into the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Let the sauce thicken. Once glossy and sticky, serve the meatballs hot over rice, noodles, or on their own.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

These tricks guarantee success every time:

Always use frozen meatballs for the best results.
Don’t skip the cornstarch; it’s essential for a thick, gooey sauce.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.

What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs?

The balance of honey and soy sauce is crucial for achieving that perfect flavor. Experiment with adding a bit of sriracha for a spicy kick!

Can I make Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat in the slow cooker.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs?

One common pitfall is overcooking. Ensure to check the meatballs at the 2-hour mark on high or 4-hour mark on low to avoid drying them out.

Close-up of Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs simmering in a slow cooker, coated in a thick, sweet, and savory sauce

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. They also make excellent sliders or can be enjoyed as an appetizer with toothpicks. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner!

Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Per serving (recipe makes 8 servings):

Calories: 390
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Once cooled, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the slow cooker or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs; just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may need less time to cook through.

What can I serve with Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh, crispy salad for a lighter option. You can also serve them as an appetizer at parties!

Can I make these meatballs spicy?

Definitely! Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy twist.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free variety, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs.

Variations of Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs You Can Try

Experiment with different proteins! You can make Crockpot Asian-style honey garlic meatballs using turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Try adding pineapple for a tropical twist or switch the honey for maple syrup for a unique flavor profile.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs: 5 Simple Steps

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Author: Fenna Saul
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. A sweet and savory glaze made with honey, soy sauce, and garlic coats frozen meatballs for the perfect easy appetizer or dinner idea.

Ingredients

Scale

32 oz frozen meatballs
0.5 cup honey
0.5 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup ketchup
0.25 cup brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic until smooth.
Place frozen meatballs into the Crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir to coat evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir it into the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.
Let the sauce thicken. Once glossy and sticky, serve the meatballs hot over rice, noodles, or on their own.