Description
Start your dinner with a flavorful win using these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs. Simmered in a sticky-sweet homemade teriyaki glaze, these juicy meatballs are perfect for quick dinner ideas, game day food, or crowd-pleasing appetizers. This easy recipe makes a fantastic make-ahead option and is ideal for busy families looking for dinner ideas with big flavor. Whether you’re hosting or meal prepping, this dish delivers that comforting, umami-rich taste you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and green onions. Mix until combined and roll into 1-inch meatballs (makes 20–22).
2. (Optional) Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour into the slow cooker.
4. Place meatballs in the slow cooker and gently coat with the sauce. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
5. Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes. Cook on HIGH until thickened.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Notes
Searing the meatballs first helps them hold their shape and deepens flavor.
For gluten-free version, use tamari and certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy dinner, slow cooker meatballs, teriyaki recipe, dinner ideas, food ideas