Name: Slow Cooker Asian Beef Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; 24 oz ground beef; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 green onions, minced; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil; For the Sauce:; ¼ cup hoisin sauce; ¼ cup plum sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1–2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced

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Juicy, tender Slow Cooker Asian Beef Meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful Asian-inspired sauce — this easy slow-cooker recipe is one I love when I want something comforting, hands-off, and full of bold flavor. It’s just as perfect over rice as it is served up as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these meatballs combine simple pantry ingredients with a delicious depth of flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, gently simmering the meatballs until they’re perfectly tender. The sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and full of warm spice from the ginger. It’s great for meal prepping or feeding a group with minimal fuss.

Slow Cooker Asian Beef Meatballs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:
24 oz ground beef
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 green onions, minced
1 egg
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup plum sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1–2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

In a large bowl, I combine the ground beef, panko, green onions, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. I mix everything gently by hand until just combined.
I use a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop to form the mixture into uniform meatballs.
In a skillet, I heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches on all sides. Once browned, I transfer them to a greased slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
I pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
I cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have absorbed the sauce flavors.
I serve them warm, usually over rice, or as a hearty appetizer.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 375 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. I also like stirring in chopped cilantro or sesame seeds before serving for extra flavor and texture. For a bit of heat, I add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot. These meatballs also freeze well — I thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the meatballs?

Browning adds flavor and helps them hold together better, but I’ve skipped it when short on time. The texture is softer but still tasty.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double the ingredients and make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker. I layer the meatballs evenly and add a bit more cooking time if needed.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

I like serving them over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Can I bake the meatballs instead?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes before transferring to the slow cooker with the sauce.

Do the meatballs freeze well?

They freeze beautifully. I cool them completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag. I reheat them in sauce when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Asian Beef Meatballs are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish I rely on for both casual dinners and entertaining. With their tender texture and bold, sweet-savory sauce, they always impress with very little effort.