Easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

This slow cooker meatball recipe is so easy and incredibly tender and juicy. You'll love these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs for their homemade sweet and tangy sauce. Make them for an easy dinner or a tasty party appetizer.

What could be better than juicy, tender meatballs slow-cooked in a super easy, homemade sweet teriyaki sauce! Everyone in the family loves these Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs that simmer to perfection in the crockpot. 

Because you make the teriyaki sauce yourself, there's no hard-to-pronounce ingredients or preservatives, just pure deliciousness! It's wonderful served over rice.

You may have the ingredients in your pantry!

Fans also love our 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Meatballs, easy Cheesy Chicken Meatballs, and hearty Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.

If you love slow cooking as much as we do, check out our Crockpot Tips and Tricks Guide.

Ingredients  

Precooked Meatballs - Frozen Beef Meatballs
Soy Sauce - we prefer the low sodium variety
Pineapple Juice - either from a jar or the excess juice from canned pineapple
Beef Broth - for a rich flavor
Rice Wine Vinegar - to give the sauce a little tang
Brown Sugar - light or dark brown sugar
Honey - to give the sauce a little sweetness
Minced Garlic 
Ginger - fresh grated ginger yields the best flavor
Red Pepper Flakes
Sesame Oil
Cornstarch

Optional toppings include sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Make - Step By Step Instructions

We like to make these meatballs for dinner and on game day when serving a crowd. Just place them in a bowl or leave them in your slow cooker with toothpicks next to them and watch them disappear! 

Step 1 - PLACE MEATBALLS IN CROCKPOT

First, place your frozen meatballs in your crockpot. 

Do I need to thaw meatballs before putting them in the crockpot? 

No, you do not need to thaw meatballs before putting them in the crockpot to cook. It is perfectly safe to put them in frozen. 

There is no need to brown meatballs before adding them to this recipe either. 

Step 2 - MAKE SAUCE

Next, it's time to make your homemade teriyaki sauce. 

Place soy sauce, pineapple juice, beef broth, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a medium bowl; whisk them together until smooth. 

Step 3 - POUR SAUCE OVER MEATBALLS

Now, pour the teriyaki sauce over the meatballs and stir to combine. 

Step 4 - COOK

Place the cover on the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the sauce bubbles and thickens. 

Note: Every model of the crockpot is a little different, so your cook time may vary. Watch the recipe carefully the first time you make it to ensure the best results.

Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple

If you're craving a little more sweetness, you can make Teriyaki Meatballs with Pineapple, add ½ cup pineapple chunks or tidbits to the crockpot after the sauce and mix well. 

Then, cook as instructed. 

Tips & Tricks

• Serve your slow cooker teriyaki meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks, or eat them as a meal.
• You can make this recipe with chicken meatballs, turkey meatballs, or beef meatballs. 
• Freshly grated ginger yields the best flavor, but you can substitute ½ - 1 teaspoon ground ginger. 
• We like to use frozen meatballs from Costco in the recipe because they’re so economical. However, whatever brand they carry at your local grocery store is fine. 
• You can toss some veggies into the Crockpot with the meatballs. Mushrooms, sliced red or green peppers, snow peas, and broccoli combine well with the teriyaki sauce. Just add them about an hour before the recipe is done cooking. 

What to Serve With Your Teriyaki Meatballs

• Teriyaki meatballs go very well over white rice or brown rice. 
• They are good with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or sugar snap peas.
• You can also serve the meatballs with rice noodles. 
• Edamame also pairs well with this dish. 
• We like them with roasted Brussels Sprouts.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff - a wonderful and satisfying meal. 
Crockpot Pork Chops and Gravy - tender and juicy chops cooked to perfection. 
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches - a restaurant-quality meal that never disappoints. 
Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops - with only two ingredients, dinner could not be easier!

How to Store Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

To reheat, place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and reheat for approximately 1 minute or until heated through. 

You can freeze Teriyaki Meatballs in an airtight container for up to three months. Follow our tips to prevent freezer burn, and make sure to label and date them!

Recommend Tools to Make Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs

We recommend a 6-quart programmable crockpot to make this recipe.

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