This slow cooker 3-ingredient honey garlic meatball recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights, game days, or last-minute get-togethers. It has that classic Midwest potluck feel—simple pantry ingredients, bold flavor, and a sticky, sweet-savory sauce everyone loves. With frozen meatballs, honey, and garlic doing all the work, dinner practically cooks itself while you focus on family or relax. It’s one of those dependable recipes you’ll keep making for parties, holidays, and easy weekend meals.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Honey Garlic Meatballs
Servings: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken) | 1 (32 oz) bag |
| Honey | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves (or 1 1/2 tablespoons jarred minced garlic) |
Instructions
- Add the frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker without thawing.
- In a small bowl, stir the honey and minced garlic until fully combined.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the meatballs and gently stir to coat them evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 1 1/2–2 hours, stirring once or twice so the sauce distributes well.
- When the meatballs are hot and the sauce looks glossy and slightly thickened, switch the slow cooker to WARM.
- Stir once more, taste, and adjust if needed by adding a little extra honey or a pinch of salt. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice or noodles.
Variations & Tips
For a milder flavor, reduce the garlic to 2 cloves or replace it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. If you enjoy a tangy sauce, mix 1/4–1/3 cup of ketchup or low-sodium soy sauce into the honey and garlic before cooking. Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving. Homemade meatballs work too—brown them first, then cook on LOW for 2–3 hours. For a lighter meal, use turkey or chicken meatballs with brown rice and fresh vegetables.
