Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs
Two 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.
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?
My 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!).
These meatballs are glazed in a sweet honey sauce that even the pickiest of eaters won’t be able to resist!
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Pork Meatballs
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
Nutrition
For the perfect side… serve with these Slow Cooker Skinny Mashed Potatoes!
Why is this recipe called “Died-and-Gone-to-Heaven” Meatballs? Don’t you think that that is in poor taste?
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?
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.
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!
Indira, don’t sweat the small stuff, honey…life is TOO SHORT…
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 !
It’s an old saying doesn’t mean nothing except they’re great
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.
If I used beef instead what would recomend as a sauce
Hi Robert! If you use beef you could adjust this sauce by reducing honey by half and omitting vinegar. I haven’t tested it but that’s my best guess! Or you could try my blueberry BBQ meatball recipe using all beef.
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
You can skip this step, or sauté them for a few minutes in a skillet.
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
Are the calories stated per serving?
Can ground Turkey or beef be substituted instead of pork?
Hi Sara! Yes, either of these would be a good substitute in this recipe. Even ground chicken should work!
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?
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.
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?
Hi Karen! I think you could use packaged meatballs, and I would just make sure to get homestyle instead of Italian for best flavor with this sauce.
Oh my goodness…these look insanely delicious. I’m totally trying these! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks!!
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!!♡
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!
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.
Due u means as an addition to this Honey Glazed Meatball recipe? For interested Person says.