Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Meatballs are a deliciously savory and sweet dish that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or potlucks. These meatballs are made from scratch using a combination of ground beef, crumbled bacon, and garlic, all coated in a rich and flavorful brown sugar garlic sauce. The slow cooker method ensures that the meatballs stay juicy and tender, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a meal prep option, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a main dish served over rice or noodles, these meatballs are guaranteed to satisfy.

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The homemade meatballs are packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of ground beef, crumbled bacon, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh garlic. The addition of bread soaked in milk keeps the meatballs soft and moist, while the onion and garlic add a punch of flavor. Once the meatballs are browned, they’re simmered in a sauce made from brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce, which gives them a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The sesame oil in the sauce adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the garlic perfectly.

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. If you’re short on time or prefer a shortcut, you can easily substitute frozen meatballs for the homemade ones. Simply add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker, pour the sauce over the top, and cook on low until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thick and glossy. This option saves time without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. Whether you make the meatballs from scratch or use frozen ones, the result is a dish that’s packed with sweet, smoky, and garlicky goodness.

These meatballs can be served in a variety of ways, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, as a main course over rice or noodles, or even as sliders in soft buns. The brown sugar garlic sauce is so flavorful that it pairs well with almost any side dish. Plus, the slow cooker method means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other things while the meatballs cook to perfection. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, thanks to its rich flavor and easy preparation.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• • - Calories: 480 kcal
  • - Protein: 24g
  • - Carbohydrates: 25g
  • - Fat: 32g
  • - Sugars: 15g
  • - Sodium: 850mg

Storage Information:

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.

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Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Meatballs Recipe

For the homemade meatballs (alternatively may use prepackaged frozen meatballs):

• - 3 slices bread
• - 1/3 cup whole milk
• - 1/2 yellow onion, minced
• - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• - 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• - 2 large eggs
• - 3 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the brown sugar garlic sauce:

• - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• - 12 cloves garlic, minced
• - 3/4 cup ketchup
• - 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, soak the slices of bread in the whole milk until soft. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, soaked bread (with milk), eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. In the same skillet used for the onions, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, about 2 minutes per side, until browned but not fully cooked through.

4. Transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker.

5. In a separate small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

6. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy.

For frozen meatball option:

1. Place frozen meatballs in the slow cooker.

2. Prepare the sauce as directed, then pour it over the meatballs.

3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.

These Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Meatballs are bursting with flavor and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you make the meatballs from scratch or use frozen meatballs, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory, sweet, and garlicky goodness!