That’s a tasty meatball!
Do you want to know what I love most about this recipe? These Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs can be served as an appetizer or a main meal!
- Serve with cute mini forks = appetizer
- Serve over rice or noodles = main dish
Isn’t that great! So keep a bag of frozen meatballs on hand for those nights when you don’t know what to have for dinner, OR need a crowd pleasing appetizer.
Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 TB soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28oz) bag fully cooked, frozen meatballs
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce and garlic.
- Place frozen meatballs in a 3-4 quart crockpot and pour sauce over meatballs. Stir so all meatballs are coated evenly. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 TB soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28oz bag fully cooked, frozen meatballs
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce and garlic.
- Place frozen meatballs in a 3-4 quart crockpot and pour sauce over meatballs. Stir so all meatballs are coated evenly. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Use as an appetizer or serve over rice for a meal!
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Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Disclaimer
Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
I hope you love these Honey Garlic Meatballs!
Post updated September 2020
Liz says
Nice and easy. Thank you.
Doree Post says
I used this recipe for our KC Night with the ladies (knitting, crocheting) last week and it was a big hit! I served rice, too, for the men to have as dinner! Thanks for this!
Bonnie says
Which rice did you use. I bought brown and white but haven’t made yet
Jane A says
Hi! I found this recipe searching for NYE foods. Just now made it tonight, using Aldi meatless meatballs. They were delicious, people couldn’t believe I’d made the sauce myself. Thank you!
Laura G says
These look great! I’m ready to try a new twist on the BBQ/grape jelly meatballs! Is there a specific brand of frozen meatball that you recommend?
Corey says
I love Trader Joe’s Meatballs 🙂
Barbara Hayes says
Trader Joe’s Meatballs are the best!
Stacey says
Which Trader Joe meatballs is the best? The turkey meatballs or the mini or the Italian?
Corey says
Turkey are my favorite 🙂
Roxanne says
Making this recipe this week for my mother in law..she loves herself some meatballs😋
Chelsea Hoogendoorn says
I’m wanting to use an instant pot instead, what cook time would you recommend?
Kariann says
Laura I was wondering what recipe you used for the grape jelly and BBQ meatballs
gaylen says
2 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup quick oats
2 eggs
1/3 bennets chile sauce
1 1/4 tsp salt
form in balls, bake at 400 for 15 to 20 min.
Sauce: 1 cup bennet’s chili sauce
3/4 cup concord grape jelly
cook 3 to 5 min.
mix with meatballs.
Is important to use the brands I listed because there definitely is a difference in taste of the
chili sauce & jelly’s.
This an old & popular recipe. My family & friends really like it, however I am going to try the Honey,garlic recipe as it sounds good.
merriville lancaster says
try mixing one box of stove top stuffing in your meat balls
Amanda Martin says
My grandma makes them like this! They are the best!
nikki says
Could you make this with little cocktail hot dogs?
Corey says
I have not done that before Nikki, but I think the flavor of the sauce would work great with cocktail hot dogs 🙂
williamsmommyof5 says
I was struggling with a dinner idea for tonight because I forgot to take out meat. This is perfect. I plan to serve it with rice pilaf and broccoli. Perfect timing. Thanks!
Corey says
YUM! Sounds like a perfect dinner 🙂
Jessica says
Could you cook it with fresh made non cooked meatballs but maybe for 8 hours?
Diana says
I brown my fresh meatballs in the oven and then add to crockpot. I don’t use frozen meatballs
Rebekah C Labell says
How long do you brown your meatball before putting them in the crockpot?
rachel says
Hi! I’m totally making this! I wanted to use fresh meatballs can you tell me how long you put them in the crockpot and high or low?
Kim says
Unable to find 28oz bag. So maybe poured half 5 lb bag in crockpot. Started at 2:44 but should be ok in 3 hrs. My crockpot cooks really hot. Going to serve with white rice, peaches and maybe some veges. Tried your BBQ pulled chicken yesterday. Sooooo good. If meatballs turn out I may just be all about crockpot meals everyday. On day 2 of crockpot meals.
Danelle says
Is TB Tablespoon?
Corey says
Yes 🙂
Jessica says
My crackpot is not working right now but I want to cook these on top of the stove in a pot, at what temp and for how long?
Corey says
Sorry Jessica I have only tested these as the recipe is written. Maybe one of our readers can help?
Jeff says
Cookin for 2+hrs just stirred and tasted the spoon yumm awesome sauce! followed the recipe ….. the best mix for sure !
Sonia Hof says
Can I make this with fresh meatballs?
Corey says
You sure can 🙂 Just want the cooking time and make sure you meatballs are cooked through.
Corey says
You sure can 🙂 Just want the cooking time and make sure you meatballs are cooked through.
Mary says
I volunteered to bring meatballs to a party. I was going g to make the traditional one with the grape jelly. These sound like a delicious alternative. Do you use dark or light brown sugar?
Corey says
I have actually used both, but prefer the light. Both kinds will taste fine though 🙂
Mary says
Thanks. I bought the Trader Joe’s meatballs today as you suggested. They are only 20 oz. So I bought 2 bags. Can’t wait to make them.
Marty says
4 hours ?….for a pre-cooked frozen product that can be bought with flavoring already on them ?…..i dont get it, i thought people want fast n easy ?…heres a test….do it slow cooker way for 4 hours or less than 20 minutes in the oven and tell me you can taste the difference….dont think so
Jessica says
@Marty
The idea is to have dinner cooking while you run errands or a really slow cook so it can cook while you’re at work so you’re not “slaving over a hot stove” after a long day.
Sounds like a great recipe, I think Id roll my own meatballs…turkey balls, with ginger, garlic, and green onions 🙂
Thanks for the tip.
Christy White says
I love the bold flavors! I enjoy being able to get things going ahead of time so I’m not chained to the kitchen when everyone is getting together! 🙂
CW says
Made them the other night and served them over rice for a meal. Not my favorite version and there was very little sauce to cover the rice.
rosalind says
Any alternatives to honey? I have a baby under 1.
Corey says
You could use agave or maple syrup 🙂
Jessica Kelly says
YOU CAN USED COOKD HONEY IN RECIPES, JUST NOT RAW HONEY….FOR KIDS UNDER ONE.
Mathew Shelby says
We tried this recipe tonight and it was a hit in our family. The only change was we doubled the sauce. We used the “pantry” brand meatballs from Target and the kids asked for seconds.
Corey says
I LOVE when kids ask for seconds 🙂 YAY!
Zahava says
How long should I extend the cooking time if I am using fresh meatballs?
Julissa says
I just put everything in the crock pot! Super easy and looks delicious! Serving it with beef flavored rice- a- roni and green beans! Can’t wait till dinner! My 9 year old son is very excited!
Megan says
Can you use something besides soy sauce? These sound amazing, but we’re allergic to soy…
Corey says
How about worcestershire sauce?
Keri says
Coconut Aminos.
Brian says
Bragg’s Liquid Amino Acids
Sue Mahlburg says
Hi, I just wanted to comment that I also am allergic to soy. Very allergic. However, my son, who is an M.D., told me that I should be able to eat soy sauce with no problem because it is fermented. I tried it with no problems whatsoever. Please check with your doctor first, but just letting you know that maybe you can have soy sauce, even with a soy allergy.
Eva says
Try Bragg’s Amino Acids.
angela says
Be careful! My husband can’t have ANY soy. No soy sauce,
no Braggs, no soy lecithin (which is in Everything!)
He goes into anaphylactic shock and can’t breathe!
Di Butler says
Coconut aminos
sue1961 says
I just got a slow cooker & this will be my first meal. It’s a 6qt so do I need double the recipe or change the cooking time?
Corey says
I would reduce the cooking time a bit, or double the recipe.
Tony says
I found the sauce a bit too sweet. Needed more sauce. Cooking meatballs for four hours would make them a little dry. I would try this again using pieces of beef chuck. Overall a good recipe.
Corrie B says
Followed recipe exactly and tasty but a tad dry. I would double the sauce next time.
susan says
Can these recipes cook for 8 hours on low as being at work all day 4 hours doesn’t work for me
Debbie says
for those who will be away longer than 4 hrs you can get one of those timers used for x-mas tree lights and set it to start at what ever time works for you
Joanna says
I would not do that due to food safety concerns. The food will be sitting at room temperature for at least 4 hours, not safe!
Gabrielle says
Best meatball recipe ever! It was delicious! I will keep this recipe forever!
Nicole says
Sounds good until you get to the frozen meatballs….it takes me 20 minutes to make fresh ones so from now on, I’ll make them fresh. The sauce is good though.
Corey says
Yep, fresh ones taste great with this recipe too 🙂
victoria says
Couple questions:
1. I would think the fresh meatballs, even with binding agents, would still fall apart in the crock-pot if not baked or pan-fried a bit first to get them to stay together. What do you think? Thanks.
2. Could I replace the ketchup with Hoisen sauce and the garlic with chili garlic sauce? Would this be too much sodium with the Soy sauce?
Thank you!
Corey says
Yes, I would do a quick pan fry to just brown the edges a little. As far as your #2… I can only say this. I have not used those sauces for this, so I can’t tell you how that would turn out. But if you do give it a try, please come back and let us know how it went!
LL says
My husband loved these! I liked ’em too but barely got to have any. Figured I’d be nice and let him have the whole pot! 😉
Corey says
Hahaha. That is awesome!
Amy says
These were delicious!!! The sauce was ridiculously good! Next time I would double the sauce just so I could have more of it! This recipe is definitely a keeper! 🙂
Ash says
I just recently got into cooking different recipes I find on the internet, and this one is by far my favorite so far.. The sauce is PERFECTION. Thank you so much!
cw says
Wondering if I can let the meatballs and sauce mixture sit mixed together in frig til ready to cook the 4 hrs. ?? Meatballs are frozen…all ingredients are cold.
Nicole says
Yum!! My two favorite things together honey and garlic! So glad I found this recipe when searching for something different than the usual grape jelly. Will be making this on Saturday for our Apple Butter Making day. Can’t wait to try them
Joey says
I tried this today and my meatballs tasted just like Salisbury steak. Do you know what I could have done wrong? Could it have been the brand of meatballs or soy sauce?
Dan says
Made this today for a company potluck, they were very very popular!
Corey says
Awesome Dan!
Amy says
the sauce is fantastic. My daughter even ate frozen meatballs she doesnt normally like! I think this sauce would be great on chicken wings to! Mmm. My husband loved it, in his words “this ones a keeper”
Jerry says
To make these, I made a batch of fresh meatballs the day before, cooked them just a wee bit to get them firm, then froze them, the next day I used them in the recipe and the whole meal came out great! My partner and kids asked for more, even the one who doesn’t eat much asked for seconds, blew me away
🙂
Corey says
That is wonderful Jerry!
Colleen says
Made this recipe for a baby shower. Used a four pound bag of meatballs and tripled the sauce, also added some ginger. They were a hit and oh so easy.
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Corey says
Yay! I am so happy they were a hit!
Holly says
Did you have to increase the cooking time when you used more meatballs? I made the original recipe and doubled the sauce to try them out and my family LOVED them. Now I’m planning on making them for graduation and using three bags of meatballs and quadrupling the sauce, but I’m wondering if they will be done in 4 hours…..
Corey says
I have increased the time slightly, but not by much. Maybe an extra hour if you are doing 3 bags?
Meika says
I made these as an appetizer for Thanksgiving. I didn’t want to make the same old jelly meatballs. They were amazing and exactly what I was looking for. This might just be my new meatball recipe!
Val says
I don’t particularly like the idea of using all that ketchup. Is there a substitute I can use for this? Not a big ketchup person.
Corey says
Iv’e only made this as the recipe states Val, so I can’t say for sure. Has anyone else tried a ketchup substitute? What I can assure you Val, is that the final product taste nothing like ketchup 🙂 I hope that helps!
Val says
Thanks Corey! I will try it as is then.
Val says
Used the ketchup and turned out delicious!
Val says
So it turned out fantastic! I’m making these again for a work potluck and would like to double the recipe so that there are more meatballs. Would the cooking time stay the same? Or go for longer? (I have a 5 quart crock pot).
Corey says
YAY! I am so glad you love them. Maybe just a little more time, but not much….maybe 30-60 minutes more. If they are done earlier, you can always switch it to warm mode until ready to serve. It would be better to have a little wiggle room 🙂
Heather McCormack says
Awesome recipe ! Fast and easy! The sauce tasted really good and I loved that this is an easy throw together meal of everything I normally have in my cabinets – apart from the meatballs. Depending on how everyone loves it I may just need to keep a bag in my freezer. I have two little ones, a husband, and am currently VERY pregnant so things like this really comes in handy! So thankful for this site. I am planning on serving with a flavored rice. Originally I was going to do over white rice but in order to do that I suggest doubling the batch!
Heather McCormack says
I mean double the sauce batch!
Corey says
Thank you Heather 🙂 Yes, this is one of my favorite go to meals and my family loves it too! Flavored rice?! What a great idea! I will have to try that next time.
Dori says
I just made these & this recipe is a definite keeper! Delicious! Could you make this with boneless chicken breasts?
sandra says
we are metric in Canada, about how many meatballs would be in a 28 oz bag ?
Mikey says
Umm… About 900g of meatballs.
Matt says
How many meatballs , counting wise, are there in a 28 oz bag?
Karen says
yes please I want to know about how many meatballs to use …I have a HUGE bag
Griselda says
Great recipe my family enjoyed them!!!! Easy recipe will definitely make them again
Mandee says
Does this go with spaghetti with marinara sauce though?
Corey says
I guess it depends on your taste, but I don’t think these meatballs would go very well with marinara sauce 🙂
Mandee says
Okay, i’m serving them as appetizers then.. thanks a lot!
John S says
I think the better question might be: “Would this sauce go with spaghetti?” I will definitely try it!
I’ll make this for the Super Bowl – – and use any leftover on some spaghetti 🙂
Audra says
So, I’m going to make these meatballs tomorrow, I’m very excited because I’m going to use them to make bahn mi sandwiches!
Carrie says
I made these for dinner last night they are THE BEST meatballs I’ve ever had. I used Kroger brand Italian Meatballs with real Romano cheese it them. It was a 32 oz bag and they are BIG meatballs. I made rice as a side and LOVED it not to mention one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever made! This will likely become a staple meal in our house. I’ll probably makes these and freeze them for last minute meals. I bought the microwaveable Uncle Ben’s rice in a bag so dinner was ready n 5 minutes last night!
Corey says
Sweet! I am so happy you loved the recipe Carrie 🙂
Lollie says
Do you think it would be ok to make the sauce and freeze it with the meatballs in a gallon size freezer bag?
Suzanne says
These were SO SO good!
Corey says
I’m so happy you loved them Suzanne!
Erin says
This was so good – thank you! Served with roasted broccoli and steamed rice – delish!
Angela says
Corey, Thank you for the recipe made it the first time for Superbowl Sunday and they were gone before halftime. My daughter enjoyed them so much she asked for the “tangy meatballs” for her birthday along with other appetizers, getting her to eat is sometimes a chore in itself!! Thank you, they made it to our supper menu!!!
Corey says
That is great Angela! I am so happy to hear this recipe was loved 🙂
Laura says
I have made these several times and have never commented, we love these, so good!
Laura says
I should also add, that I like my meatballs to be crispy somewhat, so I cook them in the oven, then put them in crockpot with sauce, so they aren’t in the crockpot quite as long.
Nicole says
I have made these twice now and my family absolutely loves the flavor!! Last night, we put them on Costco’s Torta rolls and melted Swiss cheese over them. Great recipe! Thank you!
Corey says
Oh my! Melted swiss cheese…..YUM!
Gene says
Could you use pre cooked frozen Italian meatballs?