Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs

Name: Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 250 min
Ingredients: 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs; 1 cup teriyaki sauce; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger); 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (optional, for added sweetness); Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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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.

Teriyaki meatballs on a plate over rice, serve with broccoli.

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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.

All of the ingredients to make the recipe. With print overlay for clarification.

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)

A bowl filled with teriyaki meatball appetizers. Toothpicks have skewered several of the meatballs to make serving easy.

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)

Do you have to thaw frozen meatballs before cooking them?

No, there is no need to thaw the meatballs. They will warm up in the slow cooker.

What is the difference between rice vinegar and regular vinegar?

The difference is that regular vinegar is made from grains, whereas rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. It has a milder flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

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!

Chopsticks holding an Asian meatball, rice, and pineapple.

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.

Teriyaki meatballs in a slow cooker, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. With a serving spoon.

More recipes you'll love

All of these recipes are delicious and super easy to make so they are great for busy nights. The Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy are so scrumptious! Or the Crockpot Meatballs with Marinara. Both are easy recipes, and so flavorful!!

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!