Description
These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are a flavorful, sticky-sweet dish perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or even a cozy meal prep option. The juicy meatballs soak up a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce while gently simmering in your slow cooker. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, a satisfying game-day snack, or a healthy meal prep staple, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a winning addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and crowd-pleasing food recipes.
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)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and rice vinegar to create the teriyaki sauce base.
2. Place the fully cooked meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer.
3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs and gently stir to coat them well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
5. In the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
6. Leave the lid slightly ajar and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds just before serving. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
Taste the sauce before cooking to adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity to your preference.
Use fully cooked meatballs to save time and ensure they don’t fall apart while cooking.
To add vegetables, stir in chopped bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg