These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Juicy meatballs cook gently in a tangy sauce, making them great for snacks or dinner.
Honestly, I could eat these all day, and they disappear fast at parties! Serve them with toothpicks for easy munching—you won’t regret it. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using a mix of beef and pork for added flavor, but you can choose turkey or chicken for lower fat content. If you’re vegetarian, try using plant-based ground meat as a substitute.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but you can use panko for a crunchier texture. If gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Franks RedHot is a classic choice, but any hot sauce you like will work! For a milder version, mix hot sauce with some ketchup to tone down the heat.
Honey: If you’re aiming for a healthier option, agave syrup or maple syrup would make great alternatives for sweetening the sauce.
How Do You Ensure the Meatballs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy meatballs lies in the mixture and cooking method. Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture, which can lead to tough meatballs. Gentle mixing keeps them tender.
- Shape meatballs between 1 to 1.5 inches for even cooking.
- If you brown them first, this adds flavor and a nice outer crust, but it’s completely optional.
Slow cooking is the trick to keep them moist. Hence, avoid lifting the lid often during cooking to maintain the steam inside!
Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and 3 to 4 hours of cooking time on low, or 1.5 to 2 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Be sure to mix gently until everything is just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. This makes the next steps easier!
3. (Optional) Brown the Meatballs:
If you’d like firmer meatballs and a delicious crust, lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds a lovely flavor!
4. Slow Cook the Meatballs:
Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the buffalo wing sauce, honey, and butter. Heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds until the butter melts, then stir until smooth.
5. Coat the Meatballs:
Pour the honey buffalo sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. You can enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as they cook!
7. Serving:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for extra color and flavor. Serve hot, with toothpicks for easy snacking, or alongside rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Enjoy these delicious meatballs that bring together a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen meatballs; just adjust the cooking time to about 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Make sure they are thawed beforehand for those shorter time frames.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Meatballs Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want to amp up the heat, use extra buffalo wing sauce or add some cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
What Can I Serve With the Meatballs?
These meatballs are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but you can also serve them over rice, pasta, or even in a sub sandwich for a hearty meal!
