As the sauce simmers, the brown sugar melts into the ketchup, the honey lends a gentle sheen, and the soy sauce and garlic deepen the glaze into something savory-sweet.
By the time the lid is lifted, the meatballs are cloaked in a glossy, sticky coating that clings to every bite.
Serve them straight from the pot as a cocktail appetizer. Or spoon over rice and pop a can of green beans to go alongside. We’re not doing rocket surgery here, just dinner.
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Steps + Photos to make this recipe for Honey Garlic Meatballs
Step 1: Gather thy ingredients thus.
Step 2: Pour the frozen meatballs into a large slow cooker.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, and garlic until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir so they’re well coated.
Step 5: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours, until heated through and glazed.
Tools & Equipment
- Large slow cooker (or stovetop pot with lid)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips for Success
- Stovetop directions: Add sauce and frozen meatballs to a large pot with a lid. Simmer on low 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove lid and continue to heat on low for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to become thick. Watch and stir often to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking at the edges.
- Cut down the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
- Add red chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve with toothpicks for appetizers or over steamed rice for dinner.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients
- 28 –32 oz bag homestyle fully-cooked frozen meatballs
- 2 c ketchup
- 1 ½ c brown sugar packed
- ½ c honey
- 2 T soy sauce
- 2 T minced garlic
Instructions
- Pour the meatballs into a large slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the meatballs are warmed through and glazed.
The bottom line
These Honey Garlic Meatballs are proof that a handful of pantry staples can transform into a glossy, flavorful dish with very little effort. The sweetness of the honey and brown sugar balances the savory soy sauce and garlic, creating a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the meatballs. Check the Tips for Success section to see stovetop directions.
