These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a tasty treat! Sweet honey meets spicy buffalo sauce for a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the magic! I love serving these with toothpicks at parties—they always disappear quickly! Who can say no to sweet and spicy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For these meatballs, ground beef works great, but you can try a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken will also work!
Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats make a good substitute. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are perfect for a gluten-free version too!
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you can replace it with pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite for its tangy flavor, but any buffalo sauce will do. If you like it less spicy, you could mix it with some ketchup or barbecue sauce for a milder taste.
Honey: Maple syrup is a sweet substitute if honey isn’t available. It will bring its own unique flavor but still work well with the spice!
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Tender?
Getting tender meatballs is all about gentle mixing and the right cooking time. When combining your ingredients, mix just until they’re combined—overmixing can make them tough. Here’s how to prepare them to ensure tenderness:
- Use lean ground meat but not overly lean; a bit of fat helps keep them moist.
- Shape the meatballs firmly but avoid packing them too tightly.
- Cooking them low and slow in the slow cooker helps them retain moisture and become super tender.
Remember that it’s better to undercook slightly than risk overcooking them! Enjoy these delightful meatballs with your favorite dipping sauce!
Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: crumbled blue cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes on prep: mixing ingredients and forming meatballs. Then, let your slow cooker work its magic with 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. It’s an easy, hands-off way to make a delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined—don’t overmix! This helps keep your meatballs tender and juicy.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate. They don’t have to be perfect; a bit of variation makes them more homey!
3. Optional Browning:
If you’d like a firmer crust, heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional, but it adds a great flavor!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, honey, and butter until well blended. This delicious combination will add sweetness with a kick to your meatballs!
5. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Place the meatballs into your slow cooker. Pour the honey buffalo sauce over the top and gently stir to coat them evenly. This will ensure each meatball gets that savory flavor!
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs are done when they’re cooked through and tender. Don’t rush this part; the slow cooking will enhance the flavors!
7. Toss and Garnish:
Before serving, gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to make sure they’re well coated. Transfer them to a serving dish, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These meatballs are best served warm. Use toothpicks for easy serving at parties, or enjoy them alongside celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese. Get ready for a flavor hit!
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy buffalo flavor in these effortless crockpot meatballs! They’re sure to please friends and family alike!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that these meats tend to be drier, so ensure you don’t overcook them in the slow cooker.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can make a similar sauce using hot sauce mixed with a bit of melted butter and honey. Alternatively, a barbecue sauce can work for a sweeter, less spicy flavor!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with some ketchup. For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture!