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Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork MeatballsTwo things we should talk about here. 1. I make a lot of meatballs. Probably to the point of obsession. 2. My kids eat them really well. Therefore I continue to make them. A lot. They are easy to make, can be made in so many different ways in so many different dishes and are easy and fun to eat! Not to mention they are pretty much the perfect slow cooker food. If you’ve ever overcooked meatballs in the oven {raising my hand} then you know what I mean.

overhead shot of blue bowl with mashed potatoes topped with meatballs, fork on side; gold plate with meatballs in background

In all of my meatball making I’ve also done some testing to see if I can figure out the best way make them. Because we all want them to be perfectly cooked and delicious, right? What I’ve found is that you can really get into the science of it all. And there are about a million ways that people claim are the best. Do you have any old family recipes that you swear by?

gold plate filled with meatballs, blue bowl with mashed potatoes topped with meatballs with fork on side; beer bottle, filled glass and fork in backgroundMy latest trick has been to soak some panko breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes and then adding them to the mixture. So far I’m really loving the way these turn out. Nice and fluffy and juicy (at least as far a meatballs go!).

overhead shot of blue bowl filled with mashed potatoes topped with 5 meatballs, fork on sideThese meatballs are glazed in a sweet honey sauce that even the pickiest of eaters won’t be able to resist!

overhead shot of gold plate filled with meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs

Jennifer Draper
This easy and delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs is so simple to make and tastes wonderful on top of mashed potatoes as an entree or with a toothpick as an appetizer.
4.43 from 7 votes
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 512 kcal

Ingredients
  

For meatballs:

  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 pounds lean ground pork
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs (I used sage, parsley, rosemary and thyme)

For sauce:

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water whisked together until smooth
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil
  • Stir together breadcrumbs and milk and let sit for 5 minutes
  • Add to ground pork in bowl along with remaining meatball ingredients
  • Use hands to mix until combined well but do not overwork
  • Use hands to form 12 evenly sized meatballs (I use an ice cream scooper to measure)
  • Place on foil lined baking sheet and place under broiler in oven for 5-8 minutes, watching closely until they are lightly browned
  • Transfer to slow cooker
  • Whisk together sauce ingredients and pour over meatballs
  • Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 until meatballs are fully cooked

Notes

For saucier meatballs double the sauce ingredients
If the sauce is too thin after cooking it can be transferred to a saucepan and brought to a boil for 3-5 minutes while whisking in additional cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water in equal amounts) until desired thickness is reached
I cooked these on high in a 4 quart slow cooker for 3 hours

Nutrition

Calories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 29gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 587mgSugar: 14gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 2.6mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 2.3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @slowcookergourmet or tag #slowcookergourmet!
Important nutritional disclaimer

 

For the perfect side… serve with these Slow Cooker Skinny Mashed Potatoes!

white serving bowl with mashed potatoes with wooden spoon on side

26 Comments

  1. Why is this recipe called “Died-and-Gone-to-Heaven” Meatballs? Don’t you think that that is in poor taste?

    1. Hi Indira! I’m sorry but I have no idea what you are referring to? The recipe is called Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs and I don’t reference the name you mentioned anywhere in my post or on my site? Did you perhaps see it somewhere else?

      1. It is the link in an email from slow cooker chronicles. That’s what the link says to get to this recipe. It’s just a reference to the great taste. There’s not possibly a way to never offend someone. I’m sure it was not intended to be offensive. The alternate option is to scroll on.

        1. Thanks Jean! I haven’t seen the link. And again, Indira, I’m sorry, however I have no control over what someone else writes on their site. I hope you will try the recipe as it is delicious!

    2. Don’t be ridiculous Indira, it’s just a phrase used for a lot of recipes when they are really really good. This is the best meatball ever, even without the sauce !

  2. 5 stars
    These are huge meatballs! Added Chinese 5 spice, garlic powder, pepper to the sauce and served over rice. Very great, will be added to our regular meal rotation.

  3. Just found this meat ball recipe and want to make it soon. It says to put under broiler before putting in crock pot. My broiler doesn’t work in my stove, Does this need to happen ?? These meat balls sound so good and can’t wait to make them

  4. I’m a little confused about the herbs. Do you mean a total of a 1/4cup? How much of each herb? What other combinations of herbs would work well together? I’ve never made meatballs before. Lol

  5. Hi, i am very interested and intrigued by your recipe. I am allergic to tomatoes, Do you think I could substitute mustard for ketchup? Or other suggestions?

    1. Hi Sandy! I would actually try using some pureed butternut squash, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes instead of the ketchup assuming you don’t have any allergies to those? I’m afraid the mustard would overpower the honey flavors.

    2. Sandy, I am so glad you asked that question because I am also allergic to tomatoes!!!!! I never know what to use to substitute. jennifer, would bought meatballs work?

  6. Oh my gawsh- these look divine!!!! Its only 9 am but I am totally thinking I want these meatballs for breakfast… totally acceptable right??? LOVE all the flavors, love that you utilized my buddy the crockpot- love, love, LOVE these juicy, sticky balls of pork (lol). Cheers and warm wishes for a fabulous weekend!!♡

    1. Yes…meatballs are always acceptable for breakfast! At least at my house! Thanks so much and I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!

  7. Whenever I make meatballs, one of the ingredients I use is a sharp cheese in generous quantities like a Romano or some of the many others. I also add a bit of Cayenne Pepper and it make the meatballs liven up a bit. Just my thoughts for you and the readers.

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