Savory Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tender, juicy meatballs drenched in a honey bbq sauce promise an irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This crockpot magic delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with these mouthwatering morsels.

Packed with savory goodness, these meatballs blend sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.

Succulent and saucy, these meatballs are perfect for game day, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.

Prepare to be the hero of your next gathering with this foolproof recipe that never disappoints.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

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

Total Time: 4-5 hours (or 2-3 hours on high)

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Needed For Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

• Bbq Sauce: Tangy foundation that adds deep smoky flavor and rich color to the dish.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the sauce's tang and creates a glossy glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth and enhances overall savory profile of the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, slightly fermented taste that elevates the entire recipe.

• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent, mellow garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that introduces subtle smokiness and warmth to the sauce.

• Frozen Meatballs: Convenient, pre-made protein that saves preparation time and ensures consistent texture.

Best Tools For Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking meatballs evenly and keeping them warm.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for whisking together all sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient measurements.
• Serving Dish: Ideal for presenting meatballs attractively.
• Toothpicks: Optional but great for easy appetizer serving.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring meatballs during cooking.

Easy-To-Follow Instructions For Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

• Sauce Creation

Blend rich BBQ sauce with golden honey in a mixing bowl, creating a glossy and tangy liquid that will transform ordinary meatballs into a crowd-pleasing delight. Stir in aromatic garlic powder, a touch of smoky paprika, and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

• Crockpot Magic

Gently nestle frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they’re completely blanketed by the luscious honey BBQ mixture. Every meatball should glisten with the sweet and savory coating.

• Slow Cooking Perfection

Allow the crockpot to work its magic, transforming the meatballs over several hours. Low and slow cooking ensures tender, juicy bites infused with rich, caramelized flavors. Occasionally stir to guarantee even glazing and prevent sticking.

• Delicious Presentation

Transfer the glistening meatballs to a beautiful serving platter. Optional fresh herbs can add a pop of color. Serve as a tempting appetizer with toothpicks or as a hearty main course atop fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Tips To Make Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Even Better

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making last-minute cooking a breeze. This trick saves precious time during busy weeknights.
• Homemade Meatball Hack: Replace frozen meatballs with freshly made beef, turkey, or plant-based meatballs for a personalized touch. Ensure homemade meatballs are fully cooked before adding to the crockpot.
• Spice Level Control: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for those who love a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, preventing overwhelming heat.
• Low-Carb and Keto Twist: Serve meatballs over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or potatoes. Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce to make the recipe completely keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Choose gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Check ingredient labels carefully to ensure complete allergen-free preparation.

How To Serve Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs At Any Gathering

• Party Appetizer Platter: Arrange honey BBQ meatballs on a large wooden board with colorful toothpicks, surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and crispy vegetable sticks for a stunning party presentation.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in a large chafing dish with soft slider buns on the side, allowing guests to create mini sandwiches and enjoy the sticky, sweet meatballs during sports events.
• Family-Style Comfort Meal: Spoon meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, drizzling extra sauce on top and garnishing with chopped green onions for a hearty weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
• Quick Meal Prep Option: Pack cooled meatballs in meal prep containers with rice or quinoa for easy lunch portions that reheat beautifully and maintain their delicious honey BBQ flavor.

Storing Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs The Smart Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatballs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, maintaining their delicious honey BBQ flavor and tender texture.
• Freezing Magic: Freeze cooked meatballs in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring easy future meal preparation.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm meatballs gently in microwave with a splash of extra sauce to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Make double the recipe and portion into meal-sized containers. These ready-to-go meatballs become convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners for busy families.

Sticky Honey Bbq Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 4-5 hours (or 2-3 hours on high)
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Scrumptious honey bbq crockpot meatballs pack delightful flavor combinations from classic American comfort cuisine. Hearty meat portions bathed in sweet-tangy sauce promise effortless meal preparation you will savor with family and friends.

---

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 (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauce Creation: Whisk barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl until perfectly blended and smooth.
2. Meatball Preparation: Layer frozen meatballs evenly in the crockpot, creating a single uniform layer that allows complete sauce coverage.
3. Sauce Coating: Generously pour the prepared honey BBQ sauce over meatballs, ensuring each meatball is thoroughly and evenly glazed.
4. Slow Cooking: Cover crockpot and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to become tender and succulent.
5. Occasional Stirring: Gently stir meatballs midway through cooking to promote even heating and prevent potential sticking or uneven sauce distribution.
6. Final Presentation: Transfer fully heated and glossy meatballs to a serving platter, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
7. Serving Suggestions: Offer as an appetizer with toothpicks or serve as a main course atop rice or mashed potatoes, creating a delectable and versatile dish.

Notes

• Optimize Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, glossy coating that clings perfectly to meatballs.
• Prevent Burning: Use low heat setting for slower, more even cooking and reduce risk of sauce caramelizing or burning at bottom of crockpot.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Stir meatballs every hour to distribute sauce evenly and allow each meatball to absorb maximum flavor profile.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute store-bought meatballs with homemade turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter, healthier version without compromising taste intensity.

• 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: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg