Alexa Bernier
These easy slow-cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are packed with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. Tender beef meatballs simmer slowly in a rich teriyaki sauce infused with garlic, fresh ginger, honey, and sesame oil, creating a glossy glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Serve them over fluffy jasmine rice with steamed vegetables for a simple weeknight dinner, or enjoy them as a delicious party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving, optional
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas, for serving, optional
How to Make Teriyaki Meatballs
1. Add the Meatballs
Place the frozen, fully cooked beef meatballs directly into the bowl of your slow cooker. There is no need to thaw them first.
2. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are evenly blended.
3. Slow Cook
Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are evenly coated. Gently stir to distribute the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. If convenient, give the meatballs a gentle stir about halfway through cooking.
4. Thicken the Glaze
About 20–30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until completely smooth.
Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir it into the sauce. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and coats the meatballs beautifully.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the glaze has reached your desired consistency, sprinkle the meatballs with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve them over warm jasmine rice alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
These flavorful meatballs are versatile enough for both family dinners and entertaining. For a complete meal, serve them with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables. They can also be placed on a serving platter with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer.
For extra flavor, sprinkle additional sesame seeds and green onions over the top just before serving.
Helpful Tips
- No thawing required: Frozen fully cooked meatballs can go straight into the slow cooker.
- Fresh ginger matters: Freshly grated ginger gives the glaze a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, slightly reduce the honey or brown sugar.
- Thicken at the end: Adding the cornstarch slurry during the final cooking period helps create a smooth, glossy glaze.
- Make it a meal: Pair the meatballs with rice and steamed vegetables for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 415 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Teriyaki Meatballs combine convenience with bold homemade flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work while the combination of teriyaki sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil transforms ordinary frozen meatballs into a deliciously sticky and flavorful dish. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can have a comforting dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer ready with minimal effort.
