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An overhead close-up shot of juicy homemade teriyaki meatballs in a slow cooker, covered in a thick, glossy sauce.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs (Easy & Saucy!)

These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are the ultimate easy appetizer or dinner! Frozen meatballs are simmered in a simple, homemade teriyaki sauce for a deliciously savory, sweet, and tangy dish that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Japanese-American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Teriyaki Meatballs
  • 32 ounces frozen, fully-cooked meatballs Beef, pork, or chicken work well.
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart)
  • 1 Medium Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the top.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by whisking the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glaze.
  6. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving warm.

Notes

Choosing Meatballs: This recipe works great with any type of pre-cooked frozen meatball, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Cocktail-sized meatballs are perfect for appetizers.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.