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Cozy Honey Garlic Meatballs Crockpot Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner Idea

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A comforting and easy crockpot recipe featuring tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) bread crumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey (raw or wildflower preferred)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (low sodium optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 20-24 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange on a plate or baking sheet.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic to make the sauce.
  4. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches for about 10 minutes, turning gently to form a light crust.
  5. Lightly grease the crockpot with olive oil or cooking spray. Place meatballs in the crockpot and pour the honey garlic sauce over them, coating all meatballs.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until meatballs are tender and flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, gently stir to coat meatballs in sauce again. Adjust seasoning with extra black pepper if needed.
  8. If sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into crockpot. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Notes

Do not overmix meat to keep meatballs tender. Browning meatballs is optional but adds flavor and texture. Use fresh garlic for best aroma. Cook on low for best tenderness. Sauce can be thickened with cornstarch slurry if too thin. Leftovers taste better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic meatballs, crockpot meatballs, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, 5-ingredient dinner

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/cozy-honey-garlic-meatballs-crockpot-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-dinner-idea/