Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Begin by placing the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently combine everything until evenly mixed. The texture should feel moist and slightly sticky but still easy to shape. Avoid mixing too aggressively since that can make the meatballs dense.
Shape the Meatballs: Next, scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls roughly one inch wide. Keeping them similar in size helps them cook evenly later in the crockpot. Place the shaped meatballs on a plate or tray while finishing the rest of the mixture.
Lightly Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the meatballs in the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until a light golden crust forms. This quick step adds flavor and helps them hold their shape while slow cooking.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. The sauce should taste sweet with a gentle salty balance.
Add Everything to the Crockpot: Place the browned meatballs into the crockpot in an even layer. Slowly pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure most meatballs get coated. The sauce will thin slightly during cooking and then thicken again as it simmers.
Slow Cook the Meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for about 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the sauce slowly deepens in flavor while the meatballs turn tender and juicy. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible so every piece stays coated in the sweet garlic glaze.
Thicken the Sauce if Needed: Toward the end of cooking, check the sauce consistency. If it looks thinner than you prefer, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir that slurry into the crockpot and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thicker.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the meatballs. These small touches add freshness and a light crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich honey garlic glaze.
