Description
This savory and sweet Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs recipe combines tender frozen meatballs with a rich teriyaki sauce slow-cooked to perfection. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and optional pineapple chunks, these meatballs make an easy and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Serve garnished with green onions and sesame seeds over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs
Teriyaki Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Thickening Slurry
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Add-ins and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (optional, for added sweetness)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Add Meatballs and Pineapple: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. If using, top them with pineapple chunks for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Pour Sauce Over Meatballs: Evenly distribute the prepared sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring each meatball is coated.
- Slow Cook the Meatballs: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs will be heated through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot sauce to thicken it, allowing it to cook until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce is thickened and meatballs are ready, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the teriyaki meatballs over cooked rice or noodles for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs eliminates the need for browning, making preparation quick and easy.
- Pineapple chunks add a natural sweetness and contrast to the savory sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce earlier, add the cornstarch slurry about 1 hour before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- These meatballs pair well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian