Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Sweet & Smoky Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Succulent honey bbq crockpot meatballs deliver a mouthwatering explosion of sweet and tangy flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tender beef mingles with rich barbecue sauce, creating an irresistible combination.

Slow cooking ensures each morsel becomes perfectly infused with robust seasonings.

Weeknight dinners or game day gatherings suddenly feel extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness.

Minimal prep means you can kick back while the crockpot works its magic.

Let these delectable meatballs become your next crowd-pleasing culinary adventure.

Why Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Are Party Perfect

  • Unleash Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: These honey BBQ meatballs pack a punch of sweet and tangy goodness that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Master Hands-Off Cooking: Crockpot magic means minimal effort with maximum deliciousness – simply toss ingredients together and let the slow cooker work its wonder.
  • Perfect Party Companion: Ideal for game day, potlucks, and family gatherings, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit that feeds a hungry crowd with minimal preparation.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal twists like extra spice or different sauce variations to make this recipe truly your own signature dish.

What’s Inside Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Protein Base:
  • Frozen Meatballs: Classic protein option for an easy and convenient meal preparation.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Barbecue Sauce, Honey, Ketchup: Sweet and tangy base that creates a rich, flavorful coating for the meatballs.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Provides aromatic and savory undertones to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh touch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Easy Instructions For Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, grab a whisk and combine barbecue sauce, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick.

Step 2: Nestle Meatballs in Saucy Goodness

Drop the frozen meatballs into the crockpot and generously pour the prepared sauce all over them.

Make sure each meatball gets a complete sauce bath, coating every inch for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

If you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 2 hours. If you’ve got time to spare, use the low setting for 3-4 hours.

Give the meatballs an occasional stir to ensure even cooking and sauce distribution.

Step 4: Transform into a Crowd-Pleasing Feast

Once the meatballs are heated through and glistening with the thick, sticky honey BBQ sauce, they’re ready to steal the show.

For a final touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Top Tips For Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

  • Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought meatballs for the best flavor and texture in this slow-cooker dish.
  • Swap frozen meatballs with vegetarian alternatives or homemade meatballs to suit different dietary preferences.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and barbecue sauce, perfect for those watching salt intake.
  • Enhance the sauce's depth by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Prevent sauce burning by stirring occasionally and ensuring meatballs are fully submerged during cooking.

New Twists On Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

  • Spicy Asian Meatballs: Replace BBQ sauce with sriracha, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar for a kickin' Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Swap honey BBQ sauce with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style experience.
  • Cranberry Glazed Meatballs: Substitute BBQ sauce with cranberry sauce, orange zest, and a touch of dijon mustard for a tangy holiday-inspired version.
  • Bourbon Maple Meatballs: Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and brown sugar to create a rich, caramelized coating that elevates the classic meatball recipe.

What Goes Well With Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

  • Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like zinfandel to balance the sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, cutting through the richness of the meatballs while enhancing their robust flavor profile.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose an amber ale or brown ale with caramel undertones that mirror the honey's sweetness and complement the smoky barbecue notes, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Strategic Side Dish Selection: Prepare coleslaw with a light, crisp vinegar-based dressing to provide a refreshing contrast against the meatballs' intense flavor, adding textural variety and palate cleansing properties.
  • Quick Appetizer Presentation: Serve meatballs on toothpicks with extra sauce for dipping, transforming them into crowd-pleasing party bites that invite social sharing and easy consumption.

Storing Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Made Simple

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Transfer meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Keep frozen for 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Oven Reheat: Spread meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying out.

Your Questions On Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

  • Are these meatballs homemade or store-bought?

These are best made with store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience, though you can use homemade if preferred.

  • Can I adjust the sauce's sweetness?

Yes, you can modify the honey quantity to make the sauce more or less sweet according to your taste preference.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These meatballs can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for easy reheating during the week.

  • What if I don't have smoked paprika?

No problem. You can skip it or substitute with regular paprika for a similar flavor profile.

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Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Simmering with Southern charm, honey bbq crockpot meatballs deliver comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, these tender morsels blend sweet and tangy notes that invite you to savor every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) frozen meatballs

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Create a tangy-sweet sauce by thoroughly blending barbecue sauce, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
  2. Transfer frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot, ensuring they are spread evenly across the bottom.
  3. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, gently tossing to achieve complete and uniform coating.
  4. Set crockpot to low temperature and cook for 3-4 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 2 hours, stirring midway through cooking to promote consistent sauce distribution.
  5. Check meatballs are heated thoroughly and sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
  6. Remove from crockpot and transfer to serving dish, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for added color and subtle herbaceous notes.
  7. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the rich, caramelized honey BBQ glaze.

Notes

  • Customize the sauce by adjusting honey and BBQ sauce ratios for sweeter or tangier flavor profiles.
  • Swap frozen meatballs with homemade or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra depth and complexity in the sauce’s flavor.
  • Prevent sauce burning by ensuring meatballs are fully submerged and stirring occasionally during cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2–4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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