Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Name: Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup crushed crackers (like Saltines); 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

We had a busy week ahead and needed something simple yet satisfying, so I turned to my trusty crockpot for these honey garlic meatballs. They’re super easy to throw together and smell incredible with the sweet garlic aroma filling the house. Plus, they’re a hit with everyone, which is always a win in my book. I can throw in some rice or noodles and dinner is ready in no time. You can't go wrong with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Created by

The Simplecooktips Team

Last updated on 2026-05-13T10:25:07.296Z

This recipe came out of sheer necessity one busy Tuesday. I had a big meeting that evening and needed something ready to go when I got home. I thought, why not use my crockpot? A little hunched over the counter with some ground beef, I mixed the ingredients together, then promptly realized I didn't have any breadcrumbs. So, I used crushed crackers instead, which actually gave them a fun texture!

But, of course, not everything was smooth sailing. The first batch I made ended up a little too spicy because I added an extra dash of red pepper flakes, thinking it wouldn't matter. Lesson learned: always taste your sauce first! The second attempt was way better, hitting that sweet spot of flavor. Now I can make these with total confidence.

Why This Works So Well

They cook while you do other things
Super easy cleanup since everything's in one pot
Kids love them and they’re great for meal prep

Key Technique for Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

One of the best things about using a crockpot is the way it synchronizes cooking with your life. You can toss everything in and get on with your day. While the meatballs cook, the sauce will gradually infuse into them, making for a tender texture that’s hard to resist. Just remember to check on the meatballs every now and then to give them a little stir, ensuring they are evenly coated in that sweet and garlicky sauce. This little bit of attention goes a long way.

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your particular crockpot. I usually go for 6 hours on low, but if you have a quicker model, you might find that 4 hours is just fine. Keep an eye on them as they approach the end of the cooking time; you want them to be cooked through but not to overdo it. The meatballs should be warm all the way to the center when they are done.

Swaps & Substitutions

If you don’t have ground beef on hand, ground turkey or even chicken will work in this recipe, just keep in mind they might cook a little faster. It's always been a personal favorite for a slightly lighter option. If you want to make this vegetarian, you can try using a meat substitute or even a mixture of cooked lentils and breadcrumbs. Just make sure to account for how much moisture those alternatives bring to the dish.

On the sauce side, soy sauce can be swapped out for tamari if you need a gluten-free option. I’ve even used coconut aminos in a pinch, and it adds a bit of a different taste, but still delicious. And if you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes. The sauce will still taste great without it.

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup crushed crackers (like Saltines)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Honey Garlic Sauce

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a big bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed crackers, onion, egg, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Don't be shy here, get in there with your hands and mix until everything’s combined. I usually make them about the size of a golf ball, but you can really make them whatever you like.

Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Taste it to see if it packs the punch you like, and adjust the heat if needed. I like a bit of kick, but it’s all about your preference!

Combine and Cook

Place the meatballs in the bottom of your crockpot and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You’ll want to give them a stir once or twice during cooking, just to make sure they’re swimming nicely in the sauce. Keep an eye out, as the sauce can thicken too much if it gets too hot.

Serve and Enjoy

When they're done, serve those tasty meatballs over rice or noodles. Garnish with some chopped green onions if you feel fancy. Honestly, they're good enough to eat on their own too. Enjoy!

How to Store Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 3 to 4 days, but they may not last that long because they’re so good. When it comes time to reheat, I usually pop them in the microwave for a minute or two. Just make sure to cover them so they don’t dry out. You can also toss them back in the crockpot on low for a bit if you want to serve them warm without adding to the cooking time.

Ways to Switch It Up

There are plenty of ways you can play around with this recipe. If you want to add some veggies, throw in some bell peppers or broccoli about halfway through cooking. They’ll soak up the sauce and add a nice crunch. I’ve even made a version with pineapple to give it a tropical twist, which the kids really enjoyed.

And don't hesitate to get creative with the sides. Instead of rice or noodles, you can serve these meatballs over a bed of spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal. You can also turn them into sliders by putting them on small buns with slaw, which can make a fun lunch option. I’ve tried it both ways, and they all add a little something different to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

You can, but I wouldn't. Turkey can dry out in a slow cooker, so if you sub, maybe add a bit more moisture like an extra egg or some broth.

→ What can I do if I don’t have honey?

Maple syrup can work in a pinch! It’s not quite the same, but it’ll still be sweet and tasty.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They reheat pretty well, but I usually just toss them in a pan to get that glaze nice again.