Honey BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

Oh, you’re gonna love this one! These Honey BBQ Meatballs are the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family dinner, a cozy movie night, or as a party appetizer, they’re always a hit. And here’s the best part—they’re made in the slow cooker, so it’s practically a “set it and forget it” recipe. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and the kids absolutely go crazy for these. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need:

For the Meatballs:

• 2 lbs frozen pre-cooked meatballs (or homemade if you prefer!)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand, I recommend something smoky)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (balances the sweetness)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Pro Tips:

1. Don’t Skip the Sauce Mix: Mixing the sauce before pouring it over the meatballs ensures all those flavors combine evenly.
2. Keep an Eye on Timing: Slow cookers can vary—some cook faster than others. Check after 2 hours to see if the meatballs are heated through.
3. Homemade Meatballs? Totally works! Just pre-cook them first to avoid them falling apart in the sauce.
4. Perfect for Parties: Keep these on the “warm” setting in your slow cooker for easy serving at gatherings.
5. Kid Tip: Serve with toothpicks! Kids love the novelty of picking them up and dipping them in extra sauce.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon

Substitutions and Variations:

• No BBQ Sauce? Use sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce instead!
• Add Spice: Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based meatballs and swap honey for maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips:

• Mix the sauce a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• You can also cook the meatballs the day before, then reheat them in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting with the sauce.

Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

2. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker

Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker in an even layer.

3. Pour Sauce Over Meatballs

Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Use a spatula to gently toss them if needed.

4. Cook in Slow Cooker

Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.

5. Serve

Stir the meatballs to make sure they’re fully coated in the sauce, then transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve warm.

Leftovers and Storage:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the slow cooker or microwave.

Conclusion:

There you have it—easy, delicious Honey BBQ Meatballs that your whole family will love. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below with your experience or any fun twists you put on it. Happy cooking!