Zingy Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe for Fun Gatherings

Tender and juicy meatballs simmered in a mouthwatering tangy honey bbq sauce create an irresistible meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

These crockpot meatballs pack a flavor punch that makes dinner feel special and effortless.

Slow cooking lets the rich sauce caramelize and infuse every single bite with deliciousness.

The combination of sweet honey and zesty barbecue seasonings transforms simple ground meat into a crowd-pleasing dish.

Weeknight dinners or game day gatherings become instantly more exciting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Serve these meatballs over rice, pasta, or as a standalone appetizer that’ll disappear in minutes.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make something so delectable with just a few ingredients and your trusty crockpot.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and cooled before adding to the crockpot to prevent excess moisture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this honey BBQ meatball recipe is more sweet and tangy with mild flavor. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

• What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

A classic tomato-based BBQ sauce works perfectly. Choose a sauce with a balanced sweet and smoky flavor for the best results. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Kraft are great options.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and meatballs in advance, store them in the crockpot insert in the refrigerator, and start cooking when ready. They also reheat well for parties or meal prep.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 12

Honey BBQ Meatballs Grocery List

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized sauce coating.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides a tangy, smoky foundation for the meatball flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances depth and brings a savory umami element to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and rich, slightly fermented undertone.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without moisture.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that introduces a subtle, smoky warmth to the sauce.

• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient protein base that absorbs sauce beautifully and saves preparation time, choose pre-cooked varieties for easy cooking.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds visual appeal and fresh herbal note to finished dish.

Crockpot Essentials for BBQ Meatballs

• Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking meatballs to tender perfection.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for whisking together the honey BBQ sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce components without lumps.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring meatballs during cooking.
• Serving dish: Ideal for presenting the finished meatballs.
• Toothpicks: Optional for easy appetizer serving.

How to Make Honey BBQ Meatballs in the Crockpot

• Create the Flavor Bomb

Whip up a mouthwatering sauce by blending tangy BBQ goodness with sweet honey, adding a splash of umami from soy sauce and a sprinkle of garlic. Stir until the mixture looks silky smooth and promises deliciousness.

• Load the Crockpot

Dump those frozen meatballs right into your trusty slow cooker, then shower them with the honey BBQ sauce. Make sure every single meatball gets a perfect coat of flavor.

• Let the Happen

Cover the crockpot and let it work its wonder. On low heat, give it 4-5 hours, or crank it up to high for 2-3 hours. Occasionally give the meatballs a gentle stir to ensure they’re getting an even flavor bath.

• Serve and Devour

Once the meatballs are heated through and glistening with sauce, transfer them to a serving dish. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, stick in some toothpicks. Want a heartier meal? Plop these bad boys over rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Optional: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Tips for Sweet & Savory Meatball Goodness

• Adjust the BBQ sauce-to-honey ratio to create a deeper or lighter flavor profile based on personal preference.
• Swap frozen meatballs with homemade beef, turkey, or plant-based meatballs to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences.
• Stir meatballs halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce coverage, keeping the texture succulent and perfectly glazed.
• Replace traditional BBQ sauce with a sugar-free version and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ mixture for those who enjoy a spicier kick, creating a more complex flavor experience.

Serve Honey BBQ Meatballs at Any Event

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange meatballs on a large wooden board with toothpicks, surrounded by colorful bell pepper slices and fresh parsley for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these meatballs in a chafing dish during sports watch parties, keeping them warm and allowing friends to grab and enjoy throughout the event.
• Dinner Combo Delight: Pair the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, drizzling extra sauce over the entire plate for a complete and satisfying meal that combines sweet and savory flavors.
• Leftover: Transform remaining meatballs into a quick sandwich filling by chopping them up and adding to a soft hoagie roll with a slice of provolone cheese for a next-day lunch treat.

Save and Reheat BBQ Meatballs Without Drying Out

• Prepare a double batch of meatballs and sauce, storing extra portions in freezer-safe containers for quick future meals. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Store leftover meatballs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy refrigerated meatballs within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety, keeping sauce and meat together to maintain moisture.
• Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Microwave or gently warm in skillet, adding splash of extra sauce to prevent drying.
• Warm meatballs in microwave at 50% power to prevent toughening. Alternatively, use slow cooker on low setting or oven at 325°F, covered with foil, adding small amount of additional sauce to keep juicy and flavorful.

Tangy Honey Bbq Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs offer a mouthwatering blend of sweet and tangy flavors perfect for gatherings. Hearty beef meatballs simmer in a rich sauce that promises comfort and satisfaction for those craving a simple, delicious meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900 g) frozen meatballs (beef, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) honey
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until smoothly blended.
2. Meatball Arrangement: Layer frozen meatballs evenly in the crockpot, creating a single uniform base for optimal sauce distribution.
3. Sauce Coating: Pour prepared honey BBQ sauce over meatballs, ensuring complete and generous coverage of each meatball with the glossy mixture.
4. Slow Cooking: Cover crockpot and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 2-3 hours to achieve tender, flavor-infused meatballs.
5. Heat Management: Gently stir meatballs midway through cooking to promote even heating and prevent potential sauce burning or sticking.
6. Final Presentation: Transfer meatballs to serving platter once thoroughly heated and sporting a rich caramelized exterior.
7. Garnish and Serving: Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley for visual appeal, and serve as appetizer with toothpicks or alongside rice or mashed potatoes as a main course.

Notes

• Sauce Intensity Control: Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness by balancing honey and sauce ratio to suit personal taste preferences.
• Prevent Meatball Dryness: Use frozen meatballs to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking during slow cooking process.
• Optimize Flavor Absorption: Stir meatballs occasionally to ensure even sauce coating and prevent sauce burning at crockpot bottom.
• Serving Flexibility: Experiment with different serving styles like appetizer, main course, or party platter to match various dining occasions.

• 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: 13
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg