The smell of Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine juicy meatballs, simmered low and slow in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, enveloped in a warm embrace of sticky goodness. These delectable bites are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly scrumptious. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
This recipe is not just about food; it’s about memories. I remember the first time my grandma made these meatballs for our family reunion. The joy on everyone’s faces as they devoured them was priceless. BBQ chicken rice bowls Since then, they’ve become a staple at every potluck, serving up smiles one meaty bite at a time. chicken fajita bowls.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs require minimal prep and cook themselves while you relax
- The flavor is an irresistible blend of sweetness and smokiness that tantalizes your taste buds
- Their glossy finish makes them a showstopper on any table, perfect for entertaining or casual snacking
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as appetizers or a main course!
I still chuckle when I recall my cousin trying to sneak extra meatballs off the tray when no one was looking—classic family fun!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a light texture; avoid regular breadcrumbs if you can.
- Egg: A binding agent that helps hold everything together without making it dense.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; the sweeter, the better!
- Onion Powder: A must-have for flavor; it adds depth without overpowering the meat.
- Garlic Powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It enhances the savory profile of these meatballs.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; don’t skimp on these!
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnishing and an extra pop of color—because we eat with our eyes first!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended. Don’t overmix; you want tender meatballs.
Shape Your Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands—think golf ball size but slightly less sporty. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Sear Your Meatballs (Optional): For added flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each meatball until browned on all sides. This step is optional but enhances flavor.
Add Sauce to Crockpot: Pour half of your Honey BBQ sauce into the bottom of your crockpot. This keeps your meatballs moist while they cook.
Add Meatballs and Remaining Sauce: Carefully place your seared or raw meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the remaining sauce over them ensuring they are evenly coated.
Crockpot Cooking Time: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until they are cooked through. The aroma will drive you wild!
Now sit back and let that crockpot do its magic while you kick up your feet!
When they’re finally ready, grab some toothpicks or slider buns and dive into these glorious Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs—you deserve it!
You Must Know
- The Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day or family gatherings
- The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes them irresistible
- Plus, they practically cook themselves, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company around you
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your meatball ingredients thoroughly before forming them into uniform balls. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. teriyaki ground turkey You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces to match your taste. saucy buffalo chicken tenders.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality barbecue sauce for deeper flavors
- Don’t overcrowd the crockpot; this helps meatballs cook evenly
- Allow them to rest after cooking for better texture and taste
The first time I made these Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs, my friends devoured them in minutes! Their laughter and compliments filled my kitchen, making it a night to remember.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add extra cooking time for even heating.
What should I serve with Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs?
They go great with rice, mashed potatoes, or as sliders!
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
- Total Time: 22 minute
- Yield: Approximately 16 meatballs (8 servings) 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering taste of Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs, where tender meatballs simmer in a deliciously sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, these easy-to-make meatballs are sure to impress. With minimal prep time, you can sit back and let the crockpot work its magic while savoring the delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just blended.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- (Optional) Sear meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides for added flavor.
- Pour half of the honey BBQ sauce into the bottom of a crockpot.
- Add the meatballs to the crockpot and cover with the remaining sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs (approximately 85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. Ensure not to overcrowd the crockpot for even cooking.