Sweet and Smoky Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Succulent meatballs swimming in a rich honey bbq crockpot sauce promise pure comfort on chilly evenings.

These tender bites pack incredible flavor into every single morsel.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Weekend gatherings become instantly memorable when you serve these crowd-pleasing morsels.

Perfectly seasoned ground meat mingles with sweet and tangy sauce, creating an addictive combination.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for everyone around the table.

Friends and family will clamor for seconds, so consider making a double batch.

Dig in and savor each delectable, saucy bite that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Steal the Show

• Toss frozen meatballs and sauce into the crockpot for a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• The combination of sweet honey and tangy BBQ sauce creates an irresistible glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Perfect for game day parties, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies both kids and adults with its universally loved taste.
• Prepares with minimal effort and can be served as an appetizer or main course, making it an ideal recipe for busy hosts who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Easy BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

• BBQ Sauce: Classic tangy base that brings bold flavor to the meatballs. Choose a high-quality store-bought or homemade sauce.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating. Select pure, raw honey for best results.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce. Low-sodium option works well for less salt.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances overall savory taste with complex, rich undertones. Adds a subtle depth to the sauce.

• Garlic Powder: Brings subtle garlic flavor without overwhelming the dish. Fresh or dried both work well.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that adds a smoky dimension to the sauce. Great for extra complexity.

• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient base protein that absorbs the sauce perfectly. Pre-made beef or mixed meat varieties are ideal. Choose fully cooked meatballs for easy preparation.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light, fresh note to the finished dish. Optional but recommended for visual appeal.

Instructions for Cooking Honey BBQ Meatballs

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• BBQ sauce
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Worcestershire sauce

Whisk everything until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Layer Meatballs in Crockpot

Dump frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce all over the meatballs, making sure each ball gets completely coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 4-5 hours
• High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

Stir occasionally to ensure even sauce coverage and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Party appetizers with toothpicks
• Main dish served over fluffy rice
• Comfort meal with creamy mashed potatoes

Tip: The longer they cook, the more the flavors meld together, creating an irresistible sticky glaze!

Tips for Getting Sauce and Texture Just Right

• Choose Quality Meatballs: Select pre-made frozen meatballs with good meat content for better flavor and texture.
• Customize Sauce Intensity: Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness by mixing different brands or adding more honey for a richer glaze.
• Prevent Sauce Burning: Stir meatballs occasionally during cooking to distribute heat evenly and avoid sauce scorching.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for subtle heat and complexity.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare meatballs in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently before serving.

How to Keep and Reheat BBQ Meatballs the Easy Way

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely warmed through. Add splash of water if sauce looks dry.
• Spread meatballs in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, checking temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Foods That Pair with BBQ Meatballs

• Grab a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the sweet and tangy sauce, balancing the meatballs' rich flavor with crisp carbonation.
• Whip up a cool blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, adding a creamy contrast that enhances the BBQ's smoky-sweet profile.
• Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or coleslaw, providing a light, refreshing texture that complements the hearty meatballs and cuts through the rich sauce.
• Prepare garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious honey BBQ sauce, creating a satisfying and complete meal experience.

Variations to Try on BBQ Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and check meatball ingredients for wheat-free certification.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the honey BBQ mixture for heat lovers. Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing hot sauce quantity.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap frozen meatballs for homemade almond flour or ground chicken meatballs. Reduce honey quantity and use sugar-free BBQ sauce to lower carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace meat meatballs with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based meatballs. Ensure sauce ingredients remain vegetarian-friendly and maintain similar flavor profile.

Honey Bbq Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Simmering with irresistible flavor, Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs bring comfort and zest to dinner tables across America. Packed with sweet and tangy sauce, these tender meatballs promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (900 g) frozen meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey)

Sauce Components:

• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine the tangy BBQ sauce, golden honey, umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, and zesty Worcestershire sauce in a medium mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Gently nestle the frozen meatballs into the crockpot’s ceramic basin, creating an even layer that allows for maximum sauce coverage.
3. Cascade the meticulously prepared honey BBQ sauce over the meatballs, carefully ensuring each sphere is generously and thoroughly coated with the glossy, flavor-packed liquid.
4. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the meatballs to slowly simmer and absorb the complex sauce flavors for 4-5 hours. Alternatively, if pressed for time, use the high setting for 2-3 hours.
5. Periodically interrupt the cooking process to gently stir the meatballs, promoting even heat distribution and preventing any potential scorching.
6. Once the meatballs are heated thoroughly and have developed a rich, caramelized glaze, transfer them to an elegant serving platter.
7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
8. Serve as a delectable appetizer with toothpicks, or transform into a hearty main course by nestling the meatballs atop fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, pre-made frozen meatballs with good texture to ensure consistent flavor and tender results.
• Customize the BBQ sauce by mixing different brands or adding a splash of hot sauce for extra kick and personal touch.
• Test meatball doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing potential foodborne illness and ensuring safe consumption.
• Reduce sauce thickness by leaving crockpot uncovered during last 30 minutes of cooking, creating a more concentrated and glossy glaze.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg