Honey BBQ Crock Pot Meatballs
Honey BBQ Crock Pot Meatballs
These honey BBQ crock pot meatballs are sweet, smoky, sticky, and packed with flavor. Tender meatballs are slow cooked in a rich homemade honey barbecue sauce until perfectly coated in a thick, glossy glaze.
Made with frozen meatballs and a handful of simple ingredients, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for game day, potlucks, holiday parties, family gatherings, or even an easy weeknight dinner served over rice or mashed potatoes.
The combination of sweet honey and smoky barbecue sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker recipe
- Sweet and smoky flavor
- Perfect party appetizer
- Uses frozen meatballs
- Great for meal prep
- Family-friendly recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen homestyle meatballs
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Add Meatballs
Place frozen meatballs into the crock pot.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl whisk together:
- barbecue sauce
- honey
- brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- garlic powder
- onion powder
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
Stir gently until coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 4-5 hours
or - HIGH for 2-3 hours
Stir occasionally if possible.
Step 5: Serve
The sauce should be thick, sticky, and glossy.
Serve warm directly from the crock pot.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: About 5 hours
- Servings: 10 appetizer servings
Tips for the Best Honey BBQ Meatballs
Use Your Favorite BBQ Sauce
Sweet, smoky, spicy, or honey barbecue sauces all work well.
Let the Sauce Thicken
The longer the sauce cooks, the richer the glaze becomes.
Keep Warm for Parties
Use the warm setting for serving.
Make Extra
These meatballs disappear fast.
Variations
Spicy Honey BBQ Meatballs
Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Bourbon Honey BBQ Meatballs
Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce.
Garlic Honey BBQ Meatballs
Add extra minced garlic.
Dinner Version
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Jennie’s Thoughts
These are one of my favorite slow cooker meatball recipes because they’re incredibly simple but taste amazing. The honey adds just enough sweetness while the barbecue sauce creates that rich smoky flavor everyone loves.
I usually make these when I need something easy for a gathering because they stay warm in the crock pot and people can serve themselves. They’re also delicious served over rice for a quick dinner, especially when you’re craving something comforting and flavorful.
What to Serve with Honey BBQ Meatballs
- Toothpicks for appetizers
- White rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Dinner rolls
- Coleslaw
- Party platters
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker until heated through.
These honey BBQ crock pot meatballs are sweet, smoky, sticky, and incredibly easy to make. With frozen meatballs and a simple homemade honey barbecue glaze, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, game day, and easy family dinners.
