Sticky, savory, and sweet in every bite, these Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food made easy. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, serving a weeknight dinner, or prepping for a potluck, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. Tender meatballs are coated in a rich homemade teriyaki glaze, slowly simmered to perfection.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can toss it in the slow cooker and forget about it until your kitchen starts to fill with that irresistible aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy. Serve them as an appetizer or over rice for a full meal. These glossy, sticky meatballs always win the crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe

It’s incredibly easy—perfect for busy weekdays.
The meatballs stay juicy and flavorful thanks to slow cooking.
The homemade teriyaki sauce has just the right balance of sweet and savory.
It works well as both a main course and an appetizer.
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly!

Can I Use Store-Bought Meatballs?

Absolutely! That’s one of the reasons this recipe is so fast to throw together. You can use frozen, fully cooked meatballs straight from the bag—no need to thaw. Homemade meatballs also work beautifully if you have time to prep them.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen meatballs – A huge time-saver and perfectly juicy when slow-cooked.
Soy sauce – The umami-rich base for your teriyaki glaze.
Brown sugar – Adds depth and sweetness to balance the soy.
Honey – Contributes a silky texture and natural sweetness.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings in that bold, savory flavor.
Ginger – Ground or freshly grated for a warming zing.
Pineapple chunks – Adds tropical brightness and enhances the sweetness.
Cornstarch slurry – Thickens the sauce into a beautiful glaze.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Add the frozen meatballs to your slow cooker. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the top, followed by pineapple chunks (including a bit of juice).

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir halfway through to coat evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until the glaze thickens.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions and serve hot. Perfect with steamed rice, noodles, or toothpicks for a party snack!

How to Serve and Store These Meatballs

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. If you’re feeding a larger group, you can easily double the ingredients. To serve, scoop them hot over a bed of jasmine rice or plate them up as an appetizer with toothpicks. They make fantastic party bites!

For storage, let leftovers cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

The neutral flavor and fluffy texture pair perfectly with the rich teriyaki glaze.

Garlic Stir-Fried Broccoli

Adds color, crunch, and a healthy veggie balance.

Cucumber Sesame Salad

Light and refreshing, it offsets the savory meatballs with a crisp bite.

Crispy Wonton Chips

Great for scooping up extra sauce or enjoying as an appetizer spread.

Stir-Fried Noodles

Toss some lo mein or ramen noodles in sesame oil and veggies for a hearty base.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A caramelized veggie side that brings out the sweetness of the sauce.

Asian Slaw

Bright, crunchy, and tossed in a light vinaigrette to complement the richness.

Want More Slow Cooker Ideas?

If you love these teriyaki meatballs, try some of our other easy and satisfying slow-cooked meals:

Crockpot Swiss Steaks for tender beef in a savory tomato gravy.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites for ultra-savory, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup if you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a full one-pot dinner.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with fresh meatballs or frozen ones? Add chili flakes for a kick? I love hearing how you make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food dinners and time-saving slow cooker recipes on Nora Nosh Recipes.

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Craving something sticky, sweet, and ultra-satisfying? These Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs are the ultimate easy dinner idea or appetizer. With frozen meatballs, a bold homemade teriyaki sauce, and a no-fuss slow cooker method, you get juicy, flavorful results every time. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or hosting a party, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those food ideas that works for everything from family dinners to game day spreads—and yes, it’s freezer-friendly too!