Wow, if you haven’t tried making honey BBQ crockpot meatballs yet, you’re in for a real treat! These little bites of goodness are not only super easy to whip up, but they also pack a flavor punch that’ll have everyone coming back for more. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; they disappeared almost as fast as I could set them out! The sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce just coats the meatballs perfectly, making them irresistible. Plus, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting—just toss everything in, set it, and forget it! Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about these meatballs, and you’ll love how simple they are to make.
Ingredients List
To make these delicious honey BBQ crockpot meatballs, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
These ingredients are easy to find, and I love how they blend to create those tender meatballs that soak up all that sweet and tangy sauce. Feel free to get creative with the meat—ground turkey or chicken work well, too, if you’re looking for a lighter option. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
How to Prepare Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Making honey BBQ crockpot meatballs is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love the process! Just follow these simple steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 egg. This mixture is the heart of your meatballs, so make sure everything is well combined. I like to use my hands for this—it’s the best way to ensure everything sticks together!
- Once your mixture is ready, roll it into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on how big you make them. Just remember, smaller meatballs cook faster!
- Next, place all the meatballs in your crockpot. Don’t worry if they’re snug; they’ll shrink a little during cooking.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This combo adds an extra layer of flavor that’s just divine!
- Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot, making sure they’re all coated. Cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Now, it’s time to let the magic happen! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thick. Just try not to lift the lid too often—let all that heat stay inside!
When they’re done, the smell will be absolutely mouthwatering! Serve them up with toothpicks for easy snacking, and enjoy every bite of these sweet, savory morsels!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—just mix, roll, and toss in the crockpot!
- Irresistible flavor combination of sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce.
- Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy family dinner.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Minimal cleanup since it all cooks in one pot!
- Versatile—great as an appetizer or served over rice for a main dish.
Trust me, once you try these honey BBQ crockpot meatballs, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To ensure your honey BBQ crockpot meatballs turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips to share! First, don’t skip on the binding agents—breadcrumbs and egg are essential for keeping those meatballs nice and cohesive. If you find your mixture a bit too wet, just add a bit more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
Also, when forming the meatballs, make sure they’re relatively uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly, so you won’t end up with some overdone and some undercooked. And speaking of cooking, resist the temptation to lift the lid on the crockpot too often; it releases heat and can extend cooking time. Finally, if you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or herbs to the meat mixture. Little tweaks like these make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your honey BBQ crockpot meatballs! For a spicy kick, try mixing in some sriracha or chili powder to the honey BBQ sauce. You could also swap the honey BBQ for teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory twist that’s just as delicious.
Want to add some extra flavor? Toss in some chopped bell peppers or jalapeños into the meat mixture for a little crunch. And don’t forget about cheese! Mixing in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella can take your meatballs to a whole new level of yum. Get creative and make these meatballs your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these honey BBQ crockpot meatballs, you might be curious about their nutritional content. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect for one serving, which is about four meatballs:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, the flavor is what really counts! Enjoy these tasty bites guilt-free at your next gathering!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your honey BBQ crockpot meatballs, there are so many delicious options to pair with them! For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve them over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try them on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes—trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
These meatballs also make a great appetizer at parties. Just set out some toothpicks and let your guests dive in! Consider complementing them with a fresh garden salad or crispy coleslaw for a nice crunchy contrast. You really can’t go wrong with these tasty bites!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delicious honey BBQ crockpot meatballs? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs work just fine. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions, and don’t forget to coat them with the honey BBQ sauce for that fantastic flavor.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep the meatball mixture a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just roll them into balls and toss them in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook. It’s a great way to save time!
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They’re super versatile! You can serve honey BBQ crockpot meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks, or over rice or mashed potatoes for a filling main dish. Pair them with a fresh salad for a balanced meal!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. They still taste amazing!
Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely! If you love some heat, add a splash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the honey BBQ sauce. It’ll give your meatballs a delicious kick!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Slow Cooked Brisket.
Print
Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs That Will Wow Your Crowd
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for honey BBQ meatballs cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, and egg.
- Form mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix honey BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour sauce over meatballs in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Notes
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Great for parties or as a main dish.
- Adjust sauce quantity to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: honey bbq crockpot meatballs
