Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe Done Right

Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. This easy recipe transforms frozen meatballs into a sticky, savory, and slightly spicy dish that feels restaurant-quality. All you need is your slow cooker and 10 minutes of prep time to have these ready to roll. Minimal effort, major payoff—your family will be asking for seconds, guaranteed.

I came up with this shortcut on one of those chaotic, “what’s-for-dinner” nights. Traditional kung pao recipes can be time-intensive, loaded with sautéing and constant stirring. But these homemade kung pao meatballs? They’re a breeze. Toss everything in your crockpot, set it, and let it work its magic while you catch up on everything else. Sound too good to be true? Trust me—it’s as easy as it sounds (and delicious, too).

Why This Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs Recipe Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Toss everything into your slow cooker and let it handle the heavy lifting. No constant monitoring needed.
• Fast prep: Just 10 minutes of mixing and arranging before you’re free to move on with your day.
• Shortcut ingredients: Using frozen turkey meatballs eliminates the need to make them from scratch. You’ll still get all the flavor with half the effort.
• Family-friendly: The spice level is totally customizable, so you can dial it up or down depending on everyone’s tastes.
• Deliciously versatile: Whether as an appetizer, meal prep, or party dish, these spicy meatball slow cooker recipe dreams are perfect for any occasion.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs

To make this easy kung pao meatballs recipe, you’ll need just a few kitchen tools:

• Slow cooker: A 5-quart or larger crockpot is ideal for evenly cooking the meatballs while thickening the sauce. Set to low or high, depending on your timeline.
• Mixing bowl: Use this for quickly whisking together your sauce ingredients.
• Tongs or a large spoon: You’ll need something to coat the meatballs before cooking and serve them up after.

Pro tip: If you’re shopping for a slow cooker, look for one with a programmable timer or a “warm” setting. It’s a lifesaver when you’re juggling multiple tasks!

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs

This recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful. Here are the MVPs of this dish:

• Frozen turkey meatballs: These are the ultimate time-saver. Feel free to swap them for frozen chicken or beef meatballs if you prefer.
• Hoisin sauce: The base of the sauce, delivering that rich, slightly sweet umami kick.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Spice up the dish to your liking—from just a hint of heat to spicy fireworks.
• Green onion: Adds freshness and a pop of color. Thinly slice and sprinkle on top just before serving.

Shopping hack: Grab pre-minced garlic and sliced green onions from your grocery store to save even more time.

Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours (hands-off)
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 24 ounces frozen turkey meatballs (can use chicken or beef meatballs too)
• ½ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 cup green onion (sliced as a garnish)

Instructions:

1. Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, tossing gently to coat evenly.
4. Set the slow cooker to LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 4 hours. Stir once halfway through, if possible.
5. Once the meatballs are hot and the sauce clings to them perfectly, sprinkle green onion on top.
6. Serve straight from the crockpot or plate them up with rice or steamed veggies for a full meal. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs

• Thaw trick: Forgot to thaw your meatballs? No worries—frozen meatballs are designed to go right into the slow cooker.
• Spice control: Start with ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, then taste and adjust before serving.
• Batch prep: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers in individual portions. They reheat beautifully in the microwave!
• Sticky perfection: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce 20 minutes before serving.
• Make it a meal: Serve these meatballs over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Easy Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs Variations

• Chicken swap: Swap turkey meatballs for chicken for a milder flavor.
• Extra veggies: Add chopped bell peppers and snap peas to the slow cooker during the final hour of cooking for added crunch and color.
• Less sugar: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
• Heat boost: Add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra spice lovers.

Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to your slow cooker to avoid falling apart during the cooking process.

What makes this recipe gluten-free?

Using gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari) ensures this dish fits a gluten-free diet. Double-check other ingredients like hoisin sauce for hidden gluten.

How can I reheat leftovers?

Reheat these meatballs in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm them in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through.

Can I skip the cornstarch?

While cornstarch thickens the sauce nicely, you can skip it for a thinner consistency or swap it with arrowroot powder for a similar effect.

What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?

They’re delicious on their own, with rice, or over noodles. You can even skewer them with toothpicks for a party-friendly appetizer!

Ready to try it for yourself? These Crockpot Kung Pao Meatballs are about to become a staple in your weekly rotation. What’s your go-to slow cooker shortcut? Share your ideas in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!