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Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

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  • Author: Nora Callahan
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 240 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dishes

Description

Tender meatballs bubble away in a sweet-and-salty sauce, releasing garlicky aroma and warming ginger notes. The sauce thickens to a glossy coat, perfect for ladling over rice or noodles.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 1½-inch meatballs.
  2. In a bowl whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and water to make the teriyaki sauce.
  3. Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the teriyaki sauce over them, stirring gently to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry, then stir into the cooker to thicken the sauce.
  6. Serve meatballs hot, spooning extra sauce over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, brown meatballs in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
  • You can swap ground beef for ground pork or turkey if preferred.
  • Adjust sweetness and saltiness by varying honey or soy sauce amounts.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.