Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

If you’ve been searching for a zero-stress, maximum-comfort dinner, let me introduce you to my beloved Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs. This is one of those magical recipes that practically raises its hand and says, “Hey, I’ve got dinner covered—go live your life.”

And if your life is anything like mine—kids asking where their shoes are (while wearing them), long workdays, or evenings where your energy level is… questionable—these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are about to become your new weeknight superhero.

Tender meatballs simmer in a sweet, garlicky, sticky teriyaki sauce that your house will smell like a warm hug. Plus, everything cooks in the slow cooker, so the hardest part is probably finding your slow cooker in the cabinet.

Let’s dig in, my friend.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

Ah, where to begin? Here’s what makes Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs such a dinner lifesaver:

• Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, which means you don’t have to.
• Frozen meatballs welcome. Because sometimes making homemade meatballs is about as realistic as folding laundry the same day it comes out of the dryer.
• Kid-friendly sweetness. The glossy teriyaki sauce is that delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
• Perfect for potlucks, busy nights, or just because. This dish works anywhere, anytime.
• Smells like heaven. Seriously—your kitchen will smell like something you’d line up for at a restaurant.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Here’s a quick walkthrough of the ingredients you’ll need. Nothing fancy—just simple, delicious building blocks.

• Meatballs
  You can absolutely use frozen pre-cooked meatballs. In fact, that’s how this recipe becomes the hero of busy nights. But if you’re in a homemade mood, go for it. Beef, turkey, chicken, or pork all work beautifully.
• Soy Sauce
  Choose low-sodium if possible so the sauce stays balanced rather than overly salty.
• Brown Sugar
  Adds sweetness and helps create that signature sticky teriyaki glaze.
• Honey
  Optional, but it deepens the flavor and adds that gorgeous syrupy texture.
• Garlic & Ginger
  Fresh is always best, but powdered versions get the job done when the day is wild.
• Rice Vinegar
  This is what keeps the sauce from being too sweet. Don’t skip it! Apple cider vinegar is a solid substitute.
• Cornstarch Slurry
  This thickens the sauce so it clings to the meatballs like it was meant to be there.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Let’s break it down into simple, no-fuss steps. You’ve got this.

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Honey (optional but delightful)
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar

You want the mixture smooth so every meatball gets the love it deserves.

2. Load the Slow Cooker

Add your frozen or pre-cooked meatballs straight into the slow cooker.
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the top, making sure everyone gets coated.

This part always feels a little like watercolor painting—watching that sauce drizzle over the meatballs is weirdly satisfying.

3. Cook Low & Slow

Cover and cook:

• Low: 4–6 hours
• High: 2–3 hours

If you can, give them a stir halfway through, but don’t stress if life pulls you away.

4. Thicken the Sauce

During the last 30 minutes:

• Stir cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
• Pour it into the slow cooker.
• Gently mix to help the sauce thicken as it finishes cooking.

When it’s ready, the sauce will hug the meatballs in that glossy, sticky coating we all know and love.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Top with:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Serve over rice, noodles, or next to simple steamed veggies. I’ve even seen these meatballs vanish straight from the pot at parties—no judgment.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

• Give it a stir if you’re home. It prevents the top meatballs from feeling left out.
• Too thick? Add a splash of water.
• Too thin? A little extra slurry will fix it right up.
• Want spice? A drizzle of sriracha plays beautifully with the sweet glaze.
• Feeding picky eaters? These meatballs are sweet enough that even cautious eaters say yes.

And here’s a tiny confession: this recipe once saved me during a week where everything felt like one big to-do list. I threw the meatballs in the slow cooker and walked away—and dinner basically cooked itself while I sorted through life. That’s why I adore slow cooker recipes. They show up for you when you need them most.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Bring It All Home with These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

There you have it—comfort food that cooks itself, fills your home with the coziest aroma, and brings smiles to the table without demanding time you don’t have.

Whether you’re tackling a hectic week, feeding hungry kiddos, or just craving that sticky-sweet teriyaki goodness, Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are here to make your day easier and a whole lot tastier.

Now go enjoy the kind of dinner that gives you time back—and gives everyone around the table something to smile about.

If you want another slow cooker gem, I’ve got plenty waiting for you. Let’s keep cooking delicious moments together.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re already thinking about what delicious dish to make next, here are some comforting favorites that pair perfectly with the sweet, cozy flavors of these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs. Each one is simple, satisfying, and brings that same “ahhh, dinner is handled” feeling we all adore:

• Craving another effortless chicken dinner? Try Crockpot Marry Me Chicken—creamy, dreamy, and always a hit at the table.
• If you want something bold and saucy, warm up with Chinese Beef and Broccoli. It’s cozy, flavorful, and tastes like your favorite takeout spot made it just for you.
• Love meatballs as much as I do? You’ll adore the sweet-savory goodness of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs—they’re dangerously addictive.
• And for a buttery, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, check out Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing.

Whichever one you try next, you’re in for something delicious, cozy, and wonderfully easy. Enjoy every bite!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are tender, saucy, and coated in a sweet, sticky, homemade teriyaki glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holidays, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Meatballs

• 2 lbs frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)

Teriyaki Sauce

• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup honey (optional but recommended for richness)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as substitute)

Cornstarch Slurry

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced green onions

• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until smooth.

2. Add the frozen or pre-cooked meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the top.

3. Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.

4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Add it to the slow cooker and stir gently to thicken the sauce.

5. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve as-is or over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Notes

Fresh garlic and ginger add the best flavor, but powdered versions work well for busy days.
Rice vinegar balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
For spice, add sriracha or red pepper flakes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Appetizer , dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg