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To make these tasty meatballs, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients create a rich flavor and a great texture in your meatballs. The sauce adds sweetness and depth. For the honey teriyaki sauce, you will need: - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) - 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry) Mixing these ingredients gives you a glossy, tasty sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly. Garnishes make your dish look great and add extra flavor. Here are some ideas: - Sesame seeds - Additional chopped green onions Serve your meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Pair it with steamed rice or sliced veggies for a full meal. Start by taking a big bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Crack in 1 large egg. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything until it's well blended. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it. Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place the formed meatballs on a plate. This step is fun and lets you see your hard work! Now, grab a separate bowl. Pour in 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce. Add 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk these together until smooth. This sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to your meatballs. Take your slow cooker and place the meatballs inside. Make sure they fit nicely without crowding. Next, pour your honey teriyaki sauce over the meatballs. Ensure each meatball is coated well. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing as they cook! In the last 30 minutes of cooking, we’ll thicken the sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker gently. This will give your sauce a nice, rich texture. After cooking, use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs. Place them on a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce over them. Enjoy the deliciousness! To make juicy meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are great for this. They add air, making the meatballs light. Don’t overmix the meat. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. This keeps the meatballs tender. Also, make them about one inch wide to cook evenly. For a thick sauce, use cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the slow cooker near the end of cooking. This thickens the sauce nicely without lumps. Stir gently to avoid breaking the meatballs. If you want a thinner sauce, skip the cornstarch. Serve your meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds color and flavor. For a full meal, pair them with steamed rice or fresh veggies. You can also serve them as appetizers with toothpicks for easy eating. {{image_2}} You can switch ground beef for ground turkey. Ground chicken works well too. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or chickpeas. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. If you want a twist on the sauce, try using maple syrup instead of honey. You can also add some pineapple juice for a fruity touch. For a spicier kick, mix in a bit of sriracha or chili paste. These changes can add new flavors to your meatballs. You can serve these meatballs in many fun ways. Try meatball subs with toasted bread and extra sauce. They make great appetizers for parties. Just add toothpicks for easy serving. You can also pair them with rice and steamed veggies for a complete meal. The options are endless! To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep the sauce separate if possible. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. When you are ready to eat the meatballs again, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place meatballs in a bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes. On the stovetop, warm them gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Stir until heated through. To freeze meatballs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use ground turkey. It makes the meatballs leaner. Ground turkey has a milder taste. You may want to add more seasoning. This keeps the flavor bold and tasty. The best way is to check the temperature. Meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C). You can also cut one open. The inside should be no longer pink. Juices should run clear. This shows they are safe to eat. You have many options! Serve them with steamed rice. This absorbs the tasty sauce. You can also add sliced veggies on the side. Broccoli or snap peas work well. Meatball subs are another fun choice! Leftovers stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy them again for easy meals! Honey teriyaki meatballs are simple yet delightfully tasty. We covered the main ingredients, the sauce, and how to serve them. You learned to make perfect meatballs and a thick sauce using a slow cooker. Remember, juicy meatballs come from the right mix. Try different proteins and garnishes for fun twists. Store leftovers properly, and they’ll be great for later. Enjoy these meals with family and friends, making every bite special and delicious!

Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Meatballs

Savor the flavors of homemade Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Meatballs! This easy recipe combines ground beef or turkey with a delicious blend of ginger, garlic, and honey teriyaki sauce for a mouthwatering dish cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these meatballs are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal prep game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to make the teriyaki sauce.

        Place the meatballs into the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, ensuring they are all coated.

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

            To thicken the sauce, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and mix gently.

              Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and place them on a serving platter.

                Drizzle any remaining sauce over the meatballs and garnish with sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs on a large platter, drizzled with teriyaki sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pair with steamed rice or sliced vegetables for a complete meal!