These simple crockpot teriyaki meatballs are slow cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for game day parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, this easy crockpot recipe is great for feeding a crowd.
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Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with a Sweet and Sticky Sauce
The best part of any party is always the food. If you’re looking for an easy, set it and forget it kind of appetizer, these crockpot teriyaki meatballs are perfect.
Made with pre-cooked frozen meatballs and a homemade sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, all you need to do is toss everything in your crockpot and let it do the rest.
Great for game day tailgates or football watch parties, they’re also a hit at potluck parties and holiday gatherings.
And if you’re looking for an easy meal, you can easily turn these into a simple weeknight dinner by serving them over steamed rice or egg noodles with a side of fresh veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Table of Contents
- Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with a Sweet and Sticky Sauce
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
- Equipment Needed
- How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
- How to Store Your Leftover Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Else Can You Serve with Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
- More Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
- Final Thoughts
- Printable Recipe Card for Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with a Sweet and Sticky Sauce
- Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!
Ingredients to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
- Precooked frozen meatballs: Fully cooked frozen meatballs make this recipe quick and easy.
- Soy sauce: This is the salty, savory base of the teriyaki sauce. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt.
- Pineapple juice: Adds sweetness that balances the soy sauce.
- Beef broth: Broth keeps the sauce from being too thick while the meatballs cook.
- Brown sugar: Creates that sticky, glossy sauce that coats every meatball.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps the sauce cling.
- Garlic: Use more or less depending on how garlicky you like it.
- Ground ginger: Adds depth to the classic teriyaki flavor
- Red pepper flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a gentle kick and adds just the right amount of heat.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasted, nutty flavor that really finishes the sauce.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce.
Equipment Needed
How to Make Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
Ready to make this easy crockpot teriyaki meatballs recipe? Here are the easy step-by-step directions. There’s also a full printable recipe card with all the ingredients and instructions at the bottom of the post.
Step 1: Add the Meatballs
Place your precooked frozen meatballs into a slightly greased slow cooker. Any variety works well.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, beef broth, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs
Next, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in your slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and let the meatballs cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the sauce has thickened. If you’re short on time, you can switch your crockpot to high for the last hour to help the teriyaki sauce thicken up a bit faster.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once the meatballs are finished cooking, give them a quick stir to make sure they are evenly coated in the teriyaki sauce.
If you’d like, you can garnish them with fresh scallions and sesame seeds. Then serve them warm with toothpicks, or over a plate of rice or egg noodles for an easy dinner.
How to Store Your Leftover Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
Let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat your leftovers, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If needed, you can thin the sauce with a bit of water or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare them earlier in the day and keep them warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve them.
Q: Can I serve these as a main dish?
A: Yes. These meatballs and teriyaki sauce are delicious served over rice and egg noodles for an easy weeknight dinner.
Q: Are these meatballs spicy?
A: They have a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your taste. If you don’t like red pepper flakes, you can opt to leave them out altogether.
Q: Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
What Else Can You Serve with Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
These crockpot teriyaki meatballs go with just about anything. If you’re putting together a spread and need a few more party food recipes, here are some of my favorites.
More Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these crockpot teriyaki meatballs, here are a few more easy meatball recipes you’ll love.
Final Thoughts
These slow cooker teriyaki meatballs are easy to make and delicious. I love how simple they are to throw together, whether you’re setting them out as an appetizer for a party, bringing them along to a potluck, adding them to a holiday spread, or turning them into an easy weeknight dinner served over rice.
As always, feel free to leave any questions or comments below.
Don’t forget to pin this post to save it for later, and, if you try this recipe, remember to leave feedback by giving your rating on the recipe card below.
Enjoy!
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All the items featured in this post are linked below for easy shopping.
Printable Recipe Card for Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with a Sweet and Sticky Sauce
Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs with a Sweet and Sticky Sauce
Ingredients
- 32 oz bag frozen precooked meatballs (about 2 pounds)
- ¾ cup soy sauce
- 1 ½ cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 to 6 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs into a lightly greased slow cooker.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, beef broth, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Turn to high for the last hour if needed to help the sauce thicken.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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