Introduction

Get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious!
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs combine juicy, tender meatballs with a rich, flavorful teriyaki sauce
that cooks slowly to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing an easy family dinner,
or looking for a satisfying appetizer, this recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
With minimal prep and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll love how convenient and tasty this meal is!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs (or use frozen pre-made ones):

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (optional)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
• 1 cup water

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch balls. (If using frozen meatballs, skip this step.)
2. Brown the Meatballs (optional): For extra flavor, lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before adding them to the slow cooker.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and water until well combined.
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Gently stir to coat.
5. Cook: Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
6. Thicken the Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it cook until the sauce thickens.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Description

These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to absorb every bit of that rich teriyaki flavor, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
They’re perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings — simply toss everything in your slow cooker and let the magic happen!