Description

These savory honey BBQ crockpot meatballs are a sweet, smoky, and stress-free party favorite. Juicy meatballs simmer in a sticky honey barbecue glaze, making them perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or easy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds frozen, fully-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
OR homemade meatballs (see note below)
1 cup honey
2 cups barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon each)
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Optional garnish: thinly sliced green onion
Optional garnish: sesame seeds

Instructions

If using frozen meatballs, transfer directly to the crockpot (no need to thaw). For homemade, bake as directed below, then let cool slightly before adding to the crockpot.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the meatballs until they’re well-coated.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or high for 1.5-2 hours. Stir halfway through to ensure even saucing.
If the sauce gets too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons water or extra BBQ sauce.
Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling gently, switch the crockpot to ‘warm’ to keep them ready for serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, green onion, or sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Perfect with toothpicks for parties or piled onto buns for sliders.

Notes

For homemade meatballs: Combine 2 pounds ground beef or turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup grated onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Shape into 1-inch balls and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free meatballs and barbecue sauce. For vegetarian, use plant-based meatballs and vegan BBQ sauce. Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Sauce thickens as it cooks; add water if needed. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs per serving
Calories: 210
Sugar: 11
Sodium: 480
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 12

Keywords: honey BBQ meatballs, crockpot meatballs, party appetizer, slow cooker, easy meatballs, potluck recipe, savory meatballs, barbecue meatballs