If you’re looking for a flavorful, hands-off dinner that packs a punch, this Asian meatballs crockpot recipe is a must-try. These tender meatballs are simmered in a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce made with hoisin, soy sauce, and honey—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know: the ingredients, the cooking method, helpful tips, and how to serve them up. We’ll also answer common questions and link you to related slow cooker favorites like Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein and Slow Cooker Korean Beef for more inspiration.
Asian Meatballs Crockpot Recipe
Table of Contents
Hi there! I’m Lia—the heart behind recipeslia.com. This Asian meatballs crockpot recipe is one of my go-to comfort dishes. I still remember the first time I made it—it was a chilly Sunday evening, and I had friends coming over. I wanted something warm, crowd-pleasing, and low effort. Tossing everything in the crockpot and letting the flavors meld while I tidied up was a lifesaver. The hoisin sauce gives it that bold, authentic base, while a touch of honey brings in the sweetness that balances the saltiness of soy. You get that restaurant-quality depth of flavor without ever turning on the stove. The best part? The house smells amazing by the time it’s done. It’s one of those recipes that’s so easy, you’ll keep coming back to it. Whether you’re hosting or meal prepping for the week, this crockpot gem is always a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to mix up the typical meatball routine and wow the table with a fresh take on a classic.
The Heart of the Recipe: Sauce, Simmer, Simplicity
The real magic of this Asian meatballs crockpot recipe lies in the sauce. You only need a handful of pantry staples: hoisin, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and a dash of brown sugar. The combination hits that perfect umami note with just enough zing to keep you going back for seconds.
And because it’s a crockpot dish, the meatballs stay juicy and soak up every ounce of flavor over those slow-cooked hours. You don’t need to babysit anything—just set it, forget it, and enjoy.
These meatballs also pair beautifully with rice or noodles, which makes it super versatile. If you love bold flavors in a cozy, low-fuss format, you’ll definitely want to add this to your dinner rotation. For other effortless meals, check out Crockpot Chickpea Stew or Crockpot Thai Chicken Curry—they’re equally simple and satisfying.
Effortless Flavor: Ingredients & Crockpot Setup
What You Need to Make These Asian Crockpot Meatballs
One of the best things about this Asian meatballs crockpot recipe is how easy it is to prep. Whether you’re using frozen store-bought meatballs or making your own from scratch, this recipe adapts to your style. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen meatballs (or homemade)
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Diced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
The hoisin adds that iconic Asian depth, while honey and brown sugar balance it with subtle sweetness. Rice vinegar provides a gentle tang, tying everything together in a silky sauce that clings to the meatballs. Garlic powder rounds out the flavor with a cozy, aromatic warmth.
If you’re going the homemade route, you can check out this tasty alternative like the Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs for a different meatball base that still works beautifully with this sauce.
Crockpot Tips for the Juiciest Results
Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Then, pour it into your slow cooker and add the frozen (or cooked homemade) meatballs. Give everything a gentle toss so they’re coated evenly. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or on high for 1.5–2 hours. That’s it.
The crockpot does all the heavy lifting here. As the sauce simmers, it thickens slightly and fully infuses into each meatball. Stir halfway through if you like, but it’s not required.
For serving, I love spooning them over jasmine rice or sesame noodles. You can also turn them into party appetizers with toothpicks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you’re craving more hands-off comfort food, you’ll enjoy the Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe—another great one-pot winner.
How to Serve Asian Meatballs + Delicious Pairings
Creative Ways to Serve These Crockpot Asian Meatballs
This Asian meatballs crockpot recipe isn’t just easy—it’s incredibly flexible when it comes to serving. For weeknight dinners, I usually serve the meatballs over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. The sauce seeps into the grains, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
You can also use them as a filling for lettuce wraps. Add some shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sauce—perfect for a lighter, low-carb option that still hits the spot. Or make an Asian-style meatball bowl with steamed broccoli, rice noodles, and scallions for a complete meal.
If you’re hosting a party or game night, these meatballs double as an excellent appetizer. Just stick in toothpicks and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. They stay warm in the slow cooker for hours—easy, stress-free entertaining.
Another fun twist? Use them as sliders. Toss a few meatballs in a toasted Hawaiian roll with a slaw of cabbage and spicy mayo. They’re bite-sized flavor bombs your guests will devour.
For a comfort-food-style spread, serve them alongside a creamy dish like Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna or a hearty one like Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe.
Pairings That Make This Meal Shine
To complement the sweet-savory notes of these meatballs, go for sides that contrast texture and taste. A crisp Asian cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides brightness. Stir-fried or steamed vegetables—like snap peas, bok choy, or carrots—add freshness and color.
Want something bolder? Try serving them with Slow Cooker Korean Beef on the side for a complete Asian-inspired feast. Or pair them with Crockpot Thai Chicken Curry to give guests a choice between rich sauces.
This recipe is all about flexibility—simple enough for dinner, special enough for guests. Whether you go classic with rice or adventurous with wraps and bowls, you can’t go wrong.
Expert Tips, Flavor Twists & Leftover Ideas
Tips to Make This Asian Meatballs Crockpot Recipe Even Better
For the best flavor, let the meatballs fully thaw before adding them to the crockpot—this helps them absorb more sauce and prevents excess water. If you’re making homemade meatballs, bake or pan-sear them first for a firmer texture that holds up well during slow cooking.
Want a thicker sauce? Remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to let some of the moisture evaporate. Or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) at the end to help the sauce cling better.
Garnish right before serving. Freshly chopped green onions add a crisp bite, while sesame seeds bring in that nutty crunch. A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil also works if you like heat.
This recipe can be doubled for parties or meal prep. Just be sure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled—leave enough space for everything to heat evenly. And if you’re looking to experiment, try this same sauce on chicken, like in the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, or switch up the base entirely with Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein.
Make-Ahead, Freeze & Reuse Like a Pro
These meatballs store well and reheat beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
They’re also freezer-friendly. Let them cool completely, then portion into zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then warm in the crockpot or microwave.
Leftovers make great rice bowls, wraps, or sliders the next day. Or chop up the meatballs and toss them into a quick fried rice with eggs and veggies for an easy second meal. For another freezer-friendly favorite, check out the comforting Walking Taco Casserole or the cheesy Low Carb Chicken Casserole—both perfect for busy weeks.
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Asian Meatballs Crockpot Recipe – Sweet, Savory & So Easy
- Total Time: 185
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Asian crockpot meatballs are slow-cooked in a rich hoisin-soy sauce with a touch of honey. Perfect over rice or as appetizers.
Ingredients
1 (20 oz) bag frozen meatballs (or homemade)
1/2 cup Hoisin sauce
2 tbsp Soy sauce
2 tbsp Honey
1/2 tbsp Rice vinegar
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tbsp Brown sugar
Green onions, diced
Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Whisk together hoisin, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Pour the sauce into the crockpot and add the meatballs.
3. Stir gently to coat all meatballs with sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours.
5. Stir once midway if desired, optional.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Thaw frozen meatballs before adding for better texture.
Double the recipe for gatherings, but don’t overfill the crockpot.
Leftovers make great rice bowls, sliders, or stir-fry additions.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 180
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4–6 meatballs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
FAQs: Asian Meatballs Crockpot Recipe
How long do frozen meatballs take in the crockpot?
Frozen meatballs typically take 2–3 hours on high or 4 hours on low to heat through in the crockpot. They’re already fully cooked, so you’re mainly infusing flavor and warming them gently.
Can I make this recipe with homemade meatballs?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully. Just pre-cook them by baking or searing before adding them to the slow cooker so they hold their shape during the slow simmer.
What’s the best side dish to serve with Asian meatballs?
Jasmine rice, rice noodles, or stir-fried vegetables are all great choices. You can also use them in lettuce wraps or sliders for creative serving options.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Let the meatballs cool, store in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the crockpot or microwave with a bit of broth or water.
Conclusion: A Go-To Crockpot Favorite You’ll Keep Making
This Asian meatballs crockpot recipe blends bold flavor, convenience, and family-friendly appeal in every bite. It’s a dish you can set and forget, yet still impress with every time. Whether you serve it for a cozy dinner, bring it to a party, or stash leftovers for lunch, it never disappoints.
From the sticky-sweet sauce to the juicy meatballs, everything comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for those days when you want something warm and comforting without hovering over the stove. Be sure to also try other favorites like Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti or Crockpot Thai Chicken Curry to expand your weeknight dinner ideas.
