Sweet Honey Garlic Meatballs Slow Cooker

$- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 egg, beaten To make the meatballs, start with ground beef. You can also mix in pork for extra flavor. Then, add breadcrumbs to help bind the meat. Grated parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of flavor and richness. Fresh parsley brings brightness and color. Lastly, don’t forget the egg. It helps hold everything together. - 1 cup honey - 1/2 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) The sauce is simple yet tasty. Honey gives it sweetness. Ketchup adds depth and a bit of tang. Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness. If you like a kick, sprinkle in chili flakes. This sauce coats the meatballs and makes them shine! Combining Ingredients Start by taking a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef, or mix beef with pork if you like. Next, add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for texture and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese for flavor. Toss in 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped finely, and 1 beaten egg to bind everything. Finally, mix in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands to blend these ingredients until they are well combined. Forming Meatballs Once mixed, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for each meatball. This size helps them cook evenly. Place the formed meatballs on a plate as you continue. You should have around 20 meatballs when you finish. Whisking the Sauce Ingredients In a separate bowl, gather your sauce ingredients. Combine 1 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. If you want a little heat, add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. The sauce should be sweet and tangy, perfect for coating your meatballs. Placing Meatballs and Sauce in Slow Cooker Now, it’s time to cook! Place all the meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour your honey garlic sauce over the meatballs. Make sure each meatball is coated well. This will help them soak up all the flavors as they cook. Setting Cooking Times: Low vs High Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs need to be cooked through and tender. When done, stir the meatballs gently to coat them in the sauce again. They will be ready to serve warm and delicious! - Ideal Meatball Size: Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks well and stays juicy. Smaller meatballs may dry out, while larger ones may cook unevenly. - Ensuring Even Cooking: Place the meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker. This method helps them cook evenly. Stir gently halfway through cooking to help them absorb the sauce. - Flavor Adjustments with Additional Ingredients: You can add a splash of soy sauce for more depth. If you like heat, try adding more chili flakes. A touch of lime juice can brighten the flavor too. - Alternative Sweeteners: If honey is not your choice, use maple syrup or agave nectar. These options offer a similar sweetness with a unique twist. - Garnishing Ideas: Sprinkle fresh parsley and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color. This makes the dish look more appealing and adds delightful crunch. - Serving Suggestions with Rice or Noodles: Serve the meatballs over white or brown rice. They also pair well with noodles. Both options soak up the sweet honey garlic sauce perfectly. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this recipe. Try using turkey or chicken instead of beef. These meats are lean and still taste great. They absorb the honey garlic sauce well, making them juicy and flavorful. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. You can mash them and mix with breadcrumbs and spices. This keeps the meatball shape and gives a nice texture. Adding spices or herbs can really boost the flavor. Try mixing in some dried oregano or basil. These will add a fresh taste to the meatballs. If you like a kick, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce. You can also swap ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. Each change gives a new taste to the dish. These meatballs go well with many sides. Serve them with fluffy rice or noodles. Both soak up the sauce nicely. You can also add steamed vegetables for a colorful plate. For a fun twist, make meatball subs with crusty bread. Top with cheese and melt it for a delicious meal. These options make the dish more exciting and satisfying. Sweet honey garlic meatballs stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors locked in and prevents spoilage. Always let the meatballs cool down before sealing them up. You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to three months. To freeze them, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together. To reheat, you have a few safe options. You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, place the meatballs in a bowl with a little sauce. Heat in short bursts, checking often. In the oven, place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F until warm. For the stovetop, warm them in a pan over low heat, adding extra sauce if needed. Always ensure meatballs reach an internal temp of 165°F before serving. To make meatballs tender, focus on moisture retention. Here are some tips: - Use ground beef: A mix of beef and pork adds flavor and fat. Fat keeps meatballs moist. - Add breadcrumbs: They soak up moisture and help bind the meat. Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best results. - Incorporate an egg: This helps hold the mixture together. It also adds moisture. - Do not overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Here are some cooking adjustments and recommendations: - Thaw before cooking: For best results, thaw meatballs in the fridge overnight. This helps them cook evenly. - Adjust cooking time: If cooking from frozen, increase the time by 1 hour on low and 30 minutes on high. - Check doneness: Ensure meatballs reach an internal temp of 165°F. This keeps them safe to eat. You can serve sweet honey garlic meatballs with various sides. Here are popular serving suggestions: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - Noodles: Serve with noodles for a hearty meal. They pair nicely with the flavors. - Vegetable stir-fry: A mix of colorful veggies adds nutrition and crunch. - Salad: A fresh salad balances the sweet and savory flavors. It adds a crisp contrast. To recap, you learned how to make sweet honey garlic meatballs. We covered the main ingredients, including ground beef and honey garlic sauce components. I provided step-by-step instructions on preparation, cooking, and tips to perfect your meatballs. You can even experiment with variations, from proteins to flavor enhancements. In conclusion, these meatballs are versatile and easy to make. They can fit into any meal plan. Enjoy this tasty dish and share it with loved ones!$

Sweet Honey Garlic Meatballs Slow Cooker

Discover the irresistible Sweet Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe that will delight your taste buds! Made with a perfect blend of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and zesty seasonings, these meatballs are simmered in a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce that’s simply unforgettable. Whether for a cozy dinner or a party hit, this recipe is your answer. Click through now to explore how to make these tender, tasty meatballs that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or use a mix of beef and pork if permitted)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup honey

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, beaten egg, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using) to create the sauce.

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, then pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring all meatballs are coated.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Once done, give the meatballs a gentle stir to coat them in the sauce again.

Serve warm, drizzled with additional sauce from the slow cooker.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 5 hours | 6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs in a shallow dish, garnished with extra parsley and sesame seeds over the top. Pair with rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce!