Name: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds fully cooked meatballs; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

When I need a quick and crowd-pleasing dinner, these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are my go-to solution. They combine sweet, savory, and sticky teriyaki goodness with tender, juicy meatballs—all made effortless thanks to the slow cooker. Whether I’m hosting a game night or just want something comforting after a long day, this dish never lets me down.

What I love most about these meatballs is how adaptable they are. You can serve them over rice, stuff them in a sandwich, or even stick toothpicks in for an appetizer spread. They simmer in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting the hardest part.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

It’s incredibly easy—just dump, stir, and cook.
Perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Sweet and savory sauce that tastes better than takeout.
Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly versatile.
Makes your home smell amazing while it cooks.

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

You can use homemade or frozen meatballs for this recipe. I often go with frozen beef meatballs when I need something quick, but if I have extra time, I’ll mix up a batch of homemade ones using ground beef or turkey. The key is to use fully cooked meatballs so they hold their shape during the long, slow simmer.

Options for Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meatballs.
Sauce Variations: Add pineapple juice for a tropical touch or a splash of sriracha for heat.
Low-Sugar Version: Substitute brown sugar with honey or a sugar alternative.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your meatballs are gluten-free.
Add Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or baby carrots during the last hour for a complete one-pot meal.

Ingredients for This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Meatballs: I typically use frozen, fully cooked beef meatballs for convenience, but homemade works wonderfully too. You want about 2 pounds for a family-size meal or party appetizer.
Soy Sauce: This brings the umami base to the teriyaki sauce. I go for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness balanced.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth. It also helps the sauce caramelize and thicken slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with warm, savory flavor.
Ginger: Ground or freshly grated ginger adds that signature zing teriyaki sauce is known for.
Honey: Natural sweetness and a glossy finish make this a must in my teriyaki blend.
Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity helps balance the sweetness.
Cornstarch + Water: This mixture (slurry) thickens the sauce in the final cooking stage.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Optional, but they make the final dish pop both visually and flavor-wise.

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and rice vinegar. This mixture will form the base of the sauce. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed.

Step 2: Layer the Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

Place the frozen or cooked meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer. Don’t worry if they’re stacked a bit—they’ll still soak up the flavor as they heat through.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs

Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the meatballs. Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix or coat them, ensuring the sauce reaches every corner.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Heated Through

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. This slow heat lets the meatballs absorb the sauce, creating rich flavor.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional But Recommended)

About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour it into the slow cooker and stir gently. Let it cook uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once thickened, give the meatballs a final stir. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving. They’re now ready to impress!

How Long to Prepare the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Prep Time: This recipe is delightfully simple to prep. It takes about 10 minutes to whisk the sauce together and get the meatballs into the slow cooker. If you’re using homemade meatballs, allow extra time (about 20–30 minutes) to mix, shape, and bake or pan-fry them beforehand.

Cook Time: On low heat, the meatballs need about 4–5 hours to fully absorb the teriyaki flavors. On high, 2–3 hours is enough to warm them through and develop a deliciously sticky coating. If you’re adding the cornstarch slurry, do it in the last 15–20 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Use fully cooked meatballs to avoid overcooking or falling apart during the slow cook.
Adjust sauce sweetness to your taste before pouring it over the meatballs.
Stir occasionally (if possible) to keep the sauce evenly coating all the meatballs.
Add the cornstarch slurry at the end so the sauce thickens without becoming gummy.
Garnish just before serving for the freshest flavor and best presentation.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using raw meatballs without browning or baking them first can lead to greasy or broken meatballs.
Skipping the cornstarch slurry may result in a runny sauce.
Overcrowding the slow cooker could cause uneven heating.
Not tasting the sauce before cooking could mean you miss the chance to balance flavors.
Lifting the lid too often can slow down the cooking time and reduce heat consistency.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs?

Steamed White or Brown Rice

The classic pairing. The rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

A mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli adds freshness and color to the plate.

Noodles

Toss cooked soba or ramen noodles in sesame oil for a quick, tasty side.

Cucumber Salad

Light and refreshing, this helps cut through the sweetness of the sauce.

Lettuce Wraps

Scoop the meatballs into romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb serving option.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container with the sauce. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a saucepan or slow cooker on low.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings, using frozen beef meatballs):

Calories: 390
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugars: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sodium: 820mg
Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Mix ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, and seasonings. Shape into balls and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I use chicken or turkey meatballs instead?

Absolutely! Just ensure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

Yes, it’s great for entertaining. Make it the night before, store in the fridge, and reheat in the slow cooker on warm before serving.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are the ultimate combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, as an appetizer, or meal prepping for the week, they deliver every single time. The sticky, savory sauce clings to every bite, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got a dish that tastes like takeout but is made right at home. Give them a try and prepare for empty plates and recipe requests!