Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with minimal effort. Using pre-cooked meatballs and a simple homemade sauce, this recipe is ideal for busy days or casual gatherings. Serve them as a delicious appetizer or a crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (we use Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs to the insert of your slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, honey, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Stir well until the sauce is fully mixed.
- Step 3: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker and stir to coat them evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on HIGH for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning.
- Step 5: Serve the meatballs hot, optionally garnished with minced fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen pre-cooked ones?
Fresh meatballs will need to be cooked longer and may require simmering in the sauce before using the slow cooker method. For best results and convenience, frozen pre-cooked meatballs are recommended.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
PrintHoney Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
These Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs offer a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Featuring pre-cooked meatballs coated in a luscious honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, and mustard glaze, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s warm, sticky, and packed with tangy heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours on LOW or 1 hour on HIGH
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings (around 5–6 meatballs per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 32 oz frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
- Prepare: Gather all ingredients and ensure your meatballs are frozen or thawed as preferred for cooking.
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen pre-cooked meatballs into the insert of your slow cooker evenly.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, honey, light brown sugar, and prepared yellow mustard. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on HIGH for approximately 1 hour. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the sauce from burning and to keep the meatballs well coated.
- Serve: Once cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, serve the meatballs hot. Optionally, garnish with minced fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use beef, turkey, or chicken pre-cooked meatballs based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Stirring occasionally while slow cooking helps prevent the sauce from sticking and burning on the edges.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- These meatballs can be served as an appetizer at parties or alongside rice or veggies as a main dish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Keywords: honey buffalo meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, sweet and spicy meatballs, buffalo sauce appetizer
