Name: Crock Pot Meatballs with Honey Buffalo Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-484944H26M12S
Total time: PT-484944H26M12S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Lean ground beef; Saltine crackers (or Ritz crackers); Dried minced onion; Eggs; Milk; Garlic powder; Onion powder; Chili powder; Smoked paprika; Ground cumin; Salt and pepper; Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce; Honey; Apricot preserves; Brown sugar; Soy sauce (low sodium preferred); Cornstarch

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s prep-ahead friendly, packed with sweet heat flavor, and so easy thanks to the slow cooker. Whether you’re making them for a party or a family dinner, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser with their tender texture and tantalizing glaze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

Lean ground beef
Saltine crackers (or Ritz crackers)
Dried minced onion
Eggs
Milk
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chili powder
Smoked paprika
Ground cumin
Salt and pepper

For the Honey Buffalo Sauce:

Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce
Honey
Apricot preserves
Brown sugar
Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
Cornstarch

Directions

Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with foil.
Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Roll the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake meatballs for about 8 minutes until lightly browned.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
Place a layer of meatballs in the slow cooker, drizzle with some sauce, and repeat with the remaining meatballs and sauce.
Cook on LOW for 2-4 hours, stirring gently after about an hour.
Keep on the WARM setting until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings and takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 2-4 hours of slow cooking.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Make it spicier by adding extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Swap apricot preserves for peach or pineapple preserves for a fruity twist.
Use store-bought frozen meatballs for an even quicker preparation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, simply skip the baking step and add the frozen meatballs directly to the slow cooker with the sauce.

How spicy are these meatballs?

They have a medium level of heat; you can adjust the spice by using less hot sauce.

Can I cook the meatballs on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, cook on HIGH for about 1-2 hours, checking for doneness.

What can I serve with honey buffalo meatballs?

They pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to slow cook.

Can I substitute the apricot preserves?

Yes, peach or pineapple preserves are great alternatives.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Baking the meatballs first helps them hold their shape while slow cooking.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate a double batch.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can simmer the meatballs and sauce gently on the stove over low heat.

Do I need to stir the meatballs while they cook?

Gently stir once after about an hour to ensure even coating with the sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a deliciously bold and easy dish that’s perfect for entertaining or casual dinners. With their tender texture and sweet-spicy sauce, they’re sure to disappear fast at any gathering. Make a batch today and watch them become a new favorite!

Crock Pot Meatballs with Honey Buffalo Sauce

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are sweet, spicy, and irresistibly tender, making them the perfect appetizer or easy dinner option. Packed with bold flavor and cooked effortlessly in the slow cooker, these meatballs are ideal for parties, game days, or weeknight meals.