Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs

Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  As I am writing this it's 8 am and 80°F.  This means I will NOT be cooking a big meal today because it will be getting up to 100°F and I am not about an inferno of a kitchen.  Time to bring out the crockpot.  And what and I going to make you ask?  Why my Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs of course! 

Perfect busy weeknights these juicy meatballs are cooked to perfection in a savory and sweet teriyaki sauce.  Your family will love this flavorful dish, and you'll appreciate how simple it is to prepare.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

  

INGREDIENTS:

For this Easy Crockpot Meatball Recipe you will need to gather a few simple ingredients.  I'll be using frozen meatballs for the particular post, but I'll share instructions for homemade meatballs as well. 

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• or 1 (32 oz) bag of Frozen Meatballs

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
• 1.5 cup Water
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Ginger 
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 2 Tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp Water (for thickening)

Toppings:

• Green Onions, sliced
• Toasted Sesame Seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1:  Prepare the Meatballs

1. Combine Ingredients:  In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.  
2. For Meatballs:  Shape the mixture into 1 inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

Step 2:  Cook Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven:  Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C
2. Bake Meatballs:  Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside.  They don't need to be fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the crockpot. 

Step 3:  Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Mix Ingredients:  In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown, sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.  

Step 4:  Cook in Crockpot

1. Add Meatballs:  Place partially cooked meatballs in the crockpot.  
2. Pour Sauce:  Pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.  

Step 5:  Thicken the Sauce

1. Add the Cornstarch Mixture:  About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken the sauce. 
2. Stir Well:  Stir well to ensure the sauce thickens evenly.  

 
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Over Rice:  Serve these savory meatballs over a bed of steamed white rice for a complete meal.  
• With Veggies:  Pair with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a balance dinner.
• As Appetizers:  Serve them with toothpicks at your next party for a tasty appetizer.  

TIPS AND VARIATIONS:

• Make Ahead:  You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them.  Just thaw and follow the cooking instructions.  
• Spicy Kick:  Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick. 
• Gluten-Free:  Use the gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

This Crockpot Teriyaki Meatball recipe is sure to become and a family favorite.  It's easy to prepare, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile.  Enjoy the convenience of your crockpot while making a delicious meal everyone will love!  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~