Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: A Sweet and Savory Crowd-Pleaser

If you’re looking for the perfect dish to impress your guests at the next game day or holiday gathering, Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are your answer. These tender meatballs, drenched in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, are cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, making them the ultimate hands-off appetizer. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for easy, delicious comfort food.

The beauty of these meatballs is how simple they are to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe will easily fit into your routine. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, leaving you free to focus on enjoying your event rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

What Are Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs?

Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are exactly what they sound like—meatballs slow-cooked in a rich, sweet honey barbecue sauce. This simple yet flavorful dish brings together the savory goodness of meatballs with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce and honey. The slow cooking process helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a perfectly glazed bite every time.

This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a party appetizer, a tailgate snack, or even a simple dinner when served with mashed potatoes or rice. The best part? It takes almost no time to prepare and will keep everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Core Ingredients:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or flavor)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup grape jelly (or substitute with apple jelly for a tangy twist)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (optional for added tang)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

this recipe

Equipment:

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon for stirring

Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe even more convenient, but feel free to use homemade meatballs for a more personal touch. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the sauce!

Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking Instructions

The magic of Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs lies in how easy they are to make. Let’s walk through the process:

1. Prepare the Sauce

Start by combining your BBQ sauce, honey, and grape jelly in a large mixing bowl. If you’re using garlic powder or mustard, add that too. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. This sauce will serve as the base for your meatballs, giving them a sticky, flavorful coating.

2. Add the Meatballs

Place your frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs and give it a good stir, ensuring each meatball is covered with the sauce. Don’t worry if the sauce looks a little thin at first—the slow cooking process will help it thicken.

3. Slow Cook the Meatballs

Set your slow cooker to low for 4 hours, or high for 2 hours. During this time, the meatballs will absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce, becoming tender and juicy. Make sure to stir occasionally if you can, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

4. Finish and Serve

Once your meatballs are cooked through and covered in that perfect honey BBQ glaze, it’s time to serve! If you’d like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. You can serve them on toothpicks as appetizers or toss them over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.

Variations & Serving Ideas

While Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are already irresistible on their own, there are plenty of ways to make them your own.

Flavor Twists

• Honey-Garlic BBQ Meatballs: For a garlicky twist, simply add a bit more garlic powder to the sauce or mix in some minced fresh garlic for a punch of flavor.
• Spicy BBQ Meatballs: If you like a bit of heat, mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick that will balance the sweetness of the honey.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the meatballs as an appetizer at your next party, letting guests grab them with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Create sliders by placing a few meatballs on a small bun and topping them with a little extra BBQ sauce and some cheese.
• Pair the meatballs with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Options

Another reason this recipe is a favorite? You can make it ahead of time and freeze the leftovers! After cooking, simply let the meatballs cool, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them in the slow cooker or microwave.

Dietary Variations & Ingredient Substitutions

Not everyone can enjoy the classic version of Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs as written. But don’t worry! This recipe is super adaptable.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in your meatballs if you’re making them from scratch. Also, ensure that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free—many brands offer this option.

Low-Calorie / Lean Protein

For a lighter version, swap out the traditional beef meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs. You can also cut back on the honey to lower the sugar content, or use a sugar-free BBQ sauce for an even healthier option.

Vegan

For a vegan version, try using plant-based meatballs made from lentils or beans. Replace the honey with maple syrup, and be sure to use a vegan BBQ sauce.

Halal / Kosher

Ensure your meatballs are made from halal or kosher-certified meat. Also, check that your BBQ sauce and any other ingredients align with halal or kosher dietary guidelines.

Keto-Friendly

Omit the grape jelly and use a low-sugar BBQ sauce to keep the recipe keto-friendly. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep the carbs low.

Storage, Leftovers & Reheating

You can store any leftover Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, just place them back in the slow cooker or microwave for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers for later use—just be sure to label and date the container.

If you want to get creative with your leftovers, consider using the meatballs as a topping for pizza, in a sandwich, or in a baked potato. They’re versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes, so don’t let them go to waste!

These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. So the next time you need an easy yet impressive dish, fire up your slow cooker and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of these tender, flavorful meatballs.

FAQ

Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs before using in the crockpot?

No, you can use frozen meatballs directly in the crockpot. The slow cooking process will heat them through and allow the sauce to soak in, making them tender and flavorful.

How long do honey BBQ crockpot meatballs take to cook?

Cooking time depends on the setting you use. On the low setting, they will take about 4 hours to cook thoroughly. On high, expect them to be ready in about 2 hours.

Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can be substituted for frozen ones. Just be sure they’re cooked through before adding them to the sauce to ensure everything is evenly cooked.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce and thicken up. Stir occasionally for even consistency.

Can I freeze leftover honey BBQ meatballs?

Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat in the crockpot or microwave until heated through.

Get inspired with more mouthwatering recipes! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe to YouTube for new cooking ideas every week.

Print