Teriyaki Meatballs Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

If you’re craving a meal that’s both effortless and irresistibly flavorful, slow cooker teriyaki meatballs might just become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, all while your house fills with the most mouthwatering aroma. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: toss a few ingredients into the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and come back to a dish that’s restaurant-quality without the stress. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, these meatballs deliver comfort food vibes with a sophisticated flavor punch.

Teriyaki Meatballs Slow Cooker Recipe

This isn’t just any meatball recipe-it’s the kind that will make friends, family, and coworkers ask for seconds. Slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that each bite is packed with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet teriyaki taste that clings perfectly to the meatballs. Bonus: the longer cooking time makes the meatballs incredibly tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth, while the sauce thickens naturally, creating a perfect coating.

Ingredient List

For The Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra juiciness)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra lightness)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For The Teriyaki Sauce

• 1 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for richness)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instruction Guide

1. Prepare The Meatballs

   • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix gently until combined-overmixing can make them tough.
   • Form into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.

2. Make The Teriyaki Sauce

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.

3. Slow Cooker Magic

   • Pour a small amount of sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
   • Add meatballs carefully, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
   • Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

4. Optional Thickening

   • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.

5. Serve And Garnish

   • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
   • Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables.

Ingredient Swaps

• Ground Meat: Turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work beautifully.
• Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or oats for a gluten-free version.
• Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos is a great low-sodium, soy-free alternative.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace brown sugar or honey.
• Thickener: Arrowroot powder works in place of cornstarch.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overmix: Overworked meatballs can become dense-gentle folding is key.
• Uniform Size: Keep meatballs the same size so they cook evenly.
• Pre-brown for extra flavor: Quickly sear meatballs in a skillet before slow cooking to enhance depth of flavor.
• Layering sauce: Pour a thin layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking, then cover with remaining sauce.
• Check consistency: If sauce is too thin at the end, remove meatballs, thicken sauce on the stove, then return.

Customization Ideas

• Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.
• Tangy Twist: Mix pineapple juice into the teriyaki sauce for a Hawaiian-style flair.
• Cheesy Surprise: Stuff meatballs with mozzarella or cheddar before cooking.
• Gluten-Free or Low-Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour and serve with cauliflower rice.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Teriyaki Meatballs In A Slow Cooker?

You will need ground meat (usually beef, pork, or a combination), breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and green onions. Some recipes also include sesame oil or crushed red pepper for added flavor.

How Do I Prepare The Meatballs Before Putting Them In The Slow Cooker?

Combine the ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, usually about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure even cooking. Optionally, brown them in a skillet for extra flavor before placing them in the slow cooker.

Can I Use Frozen Meatballs In This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. However, cooking time will need to be increased. Typically, frozen meatballs require 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker to cook through and absorb the teriyaki sauce.

How Long Should I Cook The Teriyaki Meatballs In The Slow Cooker?

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

How Do I Make The Teriyaki Sauce For The Slow Cooker?

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional sesame oil. You can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) before adding to the meatballs or during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then combine and cook in the slow cooker when ready. Alternatively, you can assemble everything in a slow cooker liner and refrigerate overnight, cooking the next day.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs?

Steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles pair well. You can also serve them with sautéed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.

How Can I Make The Sauce Thicker Without Changing The Slow Cooker Cooking Time?

To thicken the sauce, remove the meatballs once cooked and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the sauce. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

Is This Recipe Suitable For Meal Prep?

Yes, slow cooker teriyaki meatballs are excellent for meal prep. They keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I Adjust The Sweetness Or Saltiness Of The Teriyaki Sauce?

Absolutely. Adjust the soy sauce to control saltiness and the brown sugar or honey to adjust sweetness. You can also add a splash of water or low-sodium soy sauce to balance the flavors according to your preference.