These Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs are a great appetizer or easy meal for any occasion. The tender meatballs with pineapple chucks are slow-cooked in a delicious teriyaki sauce. So, they are great for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe irresistible
- What you’ll need: ingredients
- Creative variations to try
- Step-by-step guide: instructions
- Watch and learn: recipe video
- Essential equipment for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
- Deb's tips for the perfect dish
- How to store leftovers
- More recipes you'll love
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
What makes this recipe irresistible
This delicious recipe only takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and you only need a few simple ingredients which means that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family and friends.
Who knew that you could turn a bag of frozen meatballs into a game-day favorite without a lot of effort? You won't regret making these tasty meatballs.
What you’ll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- frozen meatballs
- teriyaki sauce
- soy sauce
- honey or brown sugar
- rice vinegar
- garlic
- fresh ginger or ground ginger
- cornstarch
- pineapple chunks (optional)
- green onions and sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Creative variations to try
- Yes, slow cooker meatballs make a GREAT easy dinner recipe, but they are also terrific party food. They make such a simple appetizer. Perfect nibbles for a crowd.
- Sometimes I like to add a spicy kick to the meatballs, so I add a pinch of red pepper flakes. They add such a nice touch.
Step-by-step guide: instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
#1 Combine the sauce ingredients.
#2 Add the meatballs and pineapple.
#3 Pour in the sauce, cover and cook.
#4 Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray.
- Add the meatballs and pineapple to the slow cooker..
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Whisk together the water and cornstarch. Stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Watch and learn: recipe video
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Essential equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
No, there is no need to thaw the meatballs. They will warm up in the slow cooker.
The difference is that regular vinegar is made from grains, whereas rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. It has a milder flavor.
Yes, add in the veggies! In the last hour of cooking, add snow peas, sugar snap peas, broccoli, or red bell peppers for additional flavor. It's a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables!
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
I recommend that you purchase homestyle meatballs or Swedish meatballs instead of the Italian seasoned ones. The flavor of homestyle meatballs works better with the teriyaki sauce.
- The sugar in the sauce can get stuck after being cooked. So, either grease your slow cooker or use a slow cooker liner to clean up a snap.
- Homemade meatballs can be used, however, I recommend that you sear them first so that they don't fall apart in the slow cooker during the cooking time.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezer - These meatballs freeze well, so store them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat - You can reheat these meatballs in the microwave, on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or even in the slow cooker for an hour or two. You have a lot of options so they are great for meal prep.
More recipes you'll love
All of these recipes are delicious and super easy to make so they are great for busy nights. Plus, these make great appetizers as well. Click on the photo to take you right to the recipe!
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
If I'm serving these meatballs as a main dish I like to serve them over a bed of white rice or even this Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice. Or, if you want a simple and green side dish try this Lemon and Garlic Broccoli.
Do you have questions about this easy slow-cooker teriyaki meatballs recipe? I'd love to answer them in the comments. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog!
Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks optional, for added sweetness
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray.
- Place frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Top with the pineapple chunks.
- In a bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over meatballs: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and tender.*
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce to thicken it.
- Once the sauce has thickened, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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