If you are looking to wow your family or friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and so simple to prepare, then the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce infused with garlic and fresh ginger, slowly cooked to perfection. Not only does this recipe save you time and effort by using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker, but it also results in a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like it took hours of loving kitchen labor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be humble and easy to find, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe. From the rich umami of teriyaki sauce to the zing of fresh ginger, every item contributes to the final unforgettable dish.
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs: Using frozen saves time, and they’re perfectly portioned and juicy for slow cooking.
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce: The star of the show, bringing that sweet and salty glaze everyone loves.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramelized sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that enhances the dish’s complexity.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a fresh, zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze near the end of cooking.
- 2 tablespoons water (optional): Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast and vibrant color as garnish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Adds a delicate crunch and nutty flavor to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Teriyaki Sauce Mixture
Start by combining the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a bowl. This mixture will infuse your meatballs with that signature sweet and savory flavor, creating a sauce that’s both rich and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Meatballs to the Slow Cooker
Next, place your frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw—this saves time while allowing the meatballs to soak up even more flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Coat the Meatballs with Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the meatballs, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Stir gently to cover each meatball in that glossy sauce, which will caramelize nicely during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook for Optimal Flavor
Cover the slow cooker and let your meatballs cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking makes the meatballs incredibly tender and lets the sauce develop a deep, rich flavor that seeps right through.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook for the remaining time to achieve a beautiful, thickened sauce that expertly clings to each meatball.
Step 6: Add Garnishes
Once the meatballs are hot and coated in that luscious sauce, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add freshness and a lovely visual appeal that elevates the dish.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe is now perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or main course served over rice or noodles.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds gives a beautiful contrast in texture and color to your meatballs. The bright green onions add a mild sharpness, while the sesame seeds introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, making every bite a delight.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles, absorbing the extra teriyaki sauce for a full meal experience. For a vibrant touch, try serving alongside sautéed vegetables or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Try serving the teriyaki meatballs on skewers as finger foods for parties or lay them over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner. You can even turn this dish into a hearty sandwich or wrap with fresh greens for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go meal that reheats beautifully, maintaining the rich flavor and tender texture.
Freezing
If you want to preserve this dish for longer, the meatballs freeze wonderfully. Store them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the meatballs moist and the sauce glossy. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it back up during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work just as well and allow you to control ingredients and flavors. Just make sure they’re cooked through or par-cooked before adding to the slow cooker to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to thicken the sauce with cornstarch?
No, it’s optional. The sauce will still be delicious without thickening, but using cornstarch slurry gives it a lovely, clingy glaze that enhances presentation and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and verify that your frozen meatballs are gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free options, making this recipe easily adaptable.
How long does it take to cook on high vs. low?
Cooking on low takes about 4 to 5 hours to allow flavors to develop fully and meatballs to become super tender. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 2 to 3 hours works too, but slow and low always tastes better.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just increase the ingredients proportionally and make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra meatballs without overcrowding so they cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a warm bowl of tender meatballs bathed in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe takes all the effort out of making that happen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is a guaranteed winner that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Print
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs recipe features tender frozen meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce enhanced with garlic and fresh ginger. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or served over rice or noodles for a comforting main dish, this easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and is ideal for slow cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening Slurry (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add meatballs to slow cooker: Place the frozen meatballs evenly into your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
- Coat meatballs with sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Cook in slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours or on the high setting for 2 to 3 hours until the meatballs are thoroughly heated and tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Add this slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to help thicken the sauce around the meatballs.
- Garnish the meatballs: Once the meatballs are hot and coated with a glossy glaze, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki meatballs warm, either as an appetizer or over cooked rice or noodles for a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce according to your preference.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Frozen meatballs can be substituted with fresh cooked meatballs if desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds add both flavor and texture.
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables for a full meal.
