These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a perfect mix of sweet and spicy. The tender meatballs simmer in a tasty honey buffalo sauce, making them super delicious!
Making these meatballs is as easy as tossing everything into the slow cooker. I love serving them at parties or enjoying them on game day—everyone keeps coming back for more! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use frozen meatballs for convenience, but I often make my own using ground turkey or beef for a fresher taste. If you’re vegetarian, try using plant-based meatballs, which work great too!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for its balanced heat and flavor. If you prefer a milder option, look for a mild buffalo sauce or use barbecue sauce mixed with a splash of hot sauce.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps balance the spice. For a vegan option, maple syrup works well as a substitute. It will give a different but delicious flavor.
Butter: I use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs are Perfectly Coated in Sauce?
Getting that sauce to stick really matters! Start by tossing the meatballs in the sauce mixture before cooking. Use a slow cooker that’s big enough so that the meatballs aren’t overcrowded—this helps them cook evenly and allows the sauce to coat each one beautifully.
- Mix the sauce well to combine all flavors before pouring over the meatballs.
- Stir gently a couple of times during cooking to ensure every meatball gets covered.
- Serve immediately after cooking to keep that saucy goodness intact!
Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 3 to 4 hours of cooking on low or 1.5 to 2 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, honey, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is well mixed. This sweet and spicy sauce is what makes these meatballs so special!
2. Add the Meatballs:
Place the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. No need to thaw them first! Just dump them in and get ready for some deliciousness.
3. Coat with Sauce:
Pour the honey buffalo sauce mixture over the meatballs. Use a spoon to stir gently, making sure that all the meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours. The meatballs should be heated through and the sauce bubbling nicely. Give it a stir once or twice during the cooking time to help coat everything evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch and a pop of color. Serve them warm as an appetizer or over rice or celery sticks. They’re also delicious with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy buffalo flavor in these tender meatballs!
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs can add an extra touch of flavor. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker. You’ll still follow the same cooking times for the sauce to develop.
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce and increase the honey for more sweetness. Alternatively, look for a mild buffalo sauce to start with. You can always add more heat later!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce mixture a day ahead. Store the meatballs and sauce in the fridge separately, then combine and cook them in the slow cooker on the day you plan to serve them.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.