These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a tasty delight! With a sweet and spicy sauce, they’re perfect as an appetizer or a meal. Just throw everything in the pot and let it do the work!
Who doesn’t love meatballs? They’re like little flavor bombs! I like serving them at parties or game nights, and I often find myself sneaking a few before dinner—shhh, don’t tell! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs is super convenient! You can select beef, turkey, or pork based on your preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making homemade meatballs with a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for that zesty kick! If you want something milder, look for a mild buffalo sauce. You can also make your own by mixing hot sauce with vinegar, butter, and spices for a custom flavor.
Honey: Honey adds a lovely sweetness to balance the heat of the sauce. If you don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or agave nectar can work nicely as alternatives, providing a similar sweetness and flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: This gives the meatballs a great savory flavor. If you prefer a fresh taste, feel free to use minced garlic instead, just remember to adjust the amount as fresh garlic is stronger!
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Sauce Coating on Your Meatballs?
The key to delicious coated meatballs is in the sauce mixing and cooking method. Follow these simple tips to get that perfect flavor on each meatball!
- Mix the sauce ingredients well in a bowl before pouring over the meatballs, ensuring every flavor is blended.
- Stir the meatballs a couple of times during cooking. This helps the sauce coat them evenly and prevents any from sticking to the bottom.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to your sauce mixture.
Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll slow cook the meatballs for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, allowing your home to fill with a wonderful aroma while it cooks. Perfect for busy days when you want a tasty dish with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, honey, melted butter, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix until everything is well blended, creating a deliciously sweet and spicy sauce that will coat your meatballs.
2. Add the Meatballs:
Take your frozen meatballs and place them directly into the slow cooker. They don’t need to be thawed first—just toss them in as they are!
3. Coat the Meatballs:
Pour the honey buffalo sauce over the meatballs. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss the meatballs to ensure that they are evenly coated in that zesty sauce.
4. Slow Cook the Meatballs:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Make sure to stir the meatballs once or twice during cooking to keep them coated and to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving bowl. Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the meatballs. For presentation, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. If you’d like, serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your sweet and spicy meatballs!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh meatballs, adjust the cooking time. Cook them on low for about 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until they are cooked through and tender.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can add additional hot sauce to the sauce mixture or include some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust based on your heat preference!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist while reheating.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker insert a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just take it out in the morning, plug in your slow cooker, and let it cook while you are away!