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Savory Sticky Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

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These slow cooker teriyaki meatballs are juicy, sticky, and packed with sweet and savory flavors, perfect for an easy and impressive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/3 cup honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 20-24 meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a non-stick skillet with a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, water, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth.
  5. Pour half of the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the remaining half of the sauce, pour into the slow cooker, and gently toss meatballs to coat and thicken the sauce.
  8. Drizzle sesame oil over the meatballs and stir gently just before serving.
  9. Serve garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

Notes

Browning meatballs before slow cooking adds extra flavor and texture but is optional. Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker to prevent steaming. Adjust sauce thickness by adding cornstarch slurry gradually. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, sticky meatballs, easy dinner, savory meatballs, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/savory-sticky-slow-cooker-teriyaki-meatballs-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/