This Crock-Pot Teriyaki Meatballs recipe comes together in about 5 minutes of prep and cooks all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your busy weeknight meal rotation!
Ingredients for Crock-Pot Teriyaki Meatballs
These meatballs are simple to make and packed with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together. You can use regular or Italian-seasoned, whatever you have on hand!
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped: Onions add a lovely flavor; just make sure they’re cut small so they blend into the meat mixture.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic touch, feel free to use more if you’re a garlic lover like me!
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce: This adds sweetness and a savory punch to the meatballs.
- 1 egg: This helps bind everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a couple pinches of each will do!
- 2 cups teriyaki sauce (for cooking): This will soak into the meatballs while they cook, making them super flavorful.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Ingredients (5 minutes): In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, teriyaki sauce, egg, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Use your hands to get in there and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Form the Meatballs (5-10 minutes): Now that you have a delicious mixture, it’s time to form your meatballs! Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, aim for about 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
Place in Crock-Pot: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the Crock-Pot. Pour the additional teriyaki sauce over the top, making sure each meatball is generously coated.
Cook on Low (4-6 hours): Cover your Crock-Pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have absorbed the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell amazing and are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve and Enjoy: These meatballs are great served as an appetizer or over rice for a delicious dinner. I like to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch!
If you loved this Crock-Pot Teriyaki Meatballs recipe, be sure to check out my air fryer meatballs!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 10 minutes of active prep time. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want to get dinner on the table without fussing around too much.
One Pot Cooking
You’ll only need your Crock-Pot for this recipe, so there’s minimal cleanup required afterward. Just pop everything in, set it, and forget about it!
Family-Friendly
The whole family will love these meatballs! From toddlers to adults, the sweet teriyaki flavor is a hit across the board. It’s also an excellent dish for picky eaters; they won’t even notice those veggies if you sneak them in!
Customizable
Just like I mentioned earlier, this recipe is so versatile! Use whatever ground meat you have on hand, switch up the sauce, or even add some extra spices or veggies. The secret to a delicious meal is in the freedom to make it yours.
Meal Prep Friendly
These meatballs are great for meal prep. Make a big batch on the weekend, then portion them out for the week ahead. Just reheat and enjoy with rice or in a sandwich; the options are endless!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve these teriyaki meatballs over steamed rice, or on a bed of sautéed veggies for a healthy twist. They also make for an amazing appetizer, just serve ’em with toothpicks and watch them disappear!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat the meatballs in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, these meatballs are freezer friendly! Just flatten them onto a baking sheet after forming and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them into a zip-top bag for storage. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking them in the Crock-Pot.
Crock-Pot Teriyaki Meatballs are a great addition to your weeknight dinner options, bringing together easy preparation, comforting flavors, and a meal that your family will love. The sweet and savory notes of teriyaki sauce make these meatballs irresistible! Give this a go, and you might just find it becoming your new family favorite, too. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Crock-Pot Teriyaki Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, teriyaki sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
- Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the Crock-Pot. Pour the additional teriyaki sauce over the top to coat.
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and have absorbed the sauce flavors.
- Serve meatballs over rice or as an appetizer. Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds for crunch.