These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a fun and tasty treat! Made with juicy meatballs and a sweet-spicy honey buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for game day or parties.
Who can resist a comb of sweet and spicy, right? I love to serve them with toothpicks, so everyone can munch away easily. Plus, they cook while I do other things—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to use 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too. For a richer taste, you could mix in some pork.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs provide structure, but you can substitute with panko for extra crunch. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. These will still hold the meatballs together nicely.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with melted butter. If you prefer milder flavors, use a barbecue sauce instead. You can always adjust the heat with more honey if needed!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but maple syrup or agave syrup can be used if you want a different flavor or need a vegan option.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Meatballs?
The secret to tender meatballs is gentle mixing. Overmixing can make them tough. Here’s how to keep them light and fluffy:
- Start with cold ingredients, especially the meat, and handle the mixture with care.
- Shape them without packing too tightly. Aim for a light hand.
- Browning them in a skillet before the slow cooker enhances their flavor — just aim for a nice sear, rather than cooking through.
These techniques will help you create juicy meatballs that are bursting with flavor!
Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, with a cooking time of 3-4 hours on low heat or 1.5-2 hours on high heat in the slow cooker. It’s a simple, hands-off way to make a delicious meal or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your meatballs tender and juicy!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
With clean hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or a large plate as you go. This helps keep them from sticking together.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 5-6 minutes. Turn them occasionally to sear all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
4. Make the Honey Buffalo Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, honey, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sweet and spicy sauce is what makes these meatballs so tasty!
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker and pour the honey buffalo sauce over them. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs with the sauce. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
6. Slow Cook the Meatballs:
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 the sauce is thickened. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the meatballs a gentle stir to make sure they are coated in the sauce again. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. They’re perfect as an appetizer at parties or as a tasty meal. Pair them with celery sticks and either blue cheese or ranch dressing to cool off the heat, if you like!
Enjoy your slow cooker honey buffalo meatballs — they’re deliciously sweet, spicy, and super tender!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that they may require careful handling to maintain moisture, so avoid overcooking them.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use oats instead of breadcrumbs to hold the mixture together.
What Should I Do If the Sauce Is Too Spicy?
If you find the sauce too spicy, you can balance it out by adding more honey or a splash of cream to mellow the heat. A dollop of sour cream before serving can also help temper the spice!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of sauce if necessary to keep them moist.