These Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs are a game-changer when it comes to easy and delicious comfort food. The sweet heat of buffalo sauce paired with the rich, savory flavor of the meatballs creates the perfect balance. It’s a simple recipe that you can toss in the crockpot and let it work its magic, making it ideal for busy days or when hosting a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about these Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs? The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and the sweetness from honey creates an irresistible flavor. The meatballs cook up tender and juicy in the crockpot, absorbing all the rich sauce. Plus, it’s a hands-off recipe—just throw everything in, and you’re done! It’s perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
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1 pound frozen meatballs (or homemade if preferred)
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1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
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Once cooked, stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size. If you’re cooking for a crowd, it can easily be doubled. As for timing, the crockpot does all the work—cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Try using plant-based meatballs if you want a vegetarian alternative.
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Spicy Kick: If I want extra heat, I add more buffalo sauce or toss in a couple of chopped fresh jalapeños.
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Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free meatballs and soy sauce or tamari.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes or heat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If you want to freeze them, place the meatballs in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, just pop them back into the crockpot or heat them on the stovetop until they’re fully warmed.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like it hotter, try adding more buffalo sauce or mixing in a little sriracha. You can also use red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chilies for extra heat.
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! If I prefer to make homemade meatballs, I use my favorite meatball recipe and cook them in the crockpot the same way. Homemade meatballs add a personal touch to this dish.
How long can I leave these in the crockpot?
I wouldn’t leave them on for more than 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high, as the meatballs can dry out. If I’m serving them right away, I make sure to keep them on the “keep warm” setting.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! I often prepare the sauce and meatballs the night before, refrigerate everything, and then pop it in the crockpot in the morning. It’s an easy way to save time if I’m making these for a party or busy weeknight.
Are these meatballs good for meal prep?
Absolutely! I make a big batch of these meatballs and portion them out for lunch or dinner throughout the week. They’re a great option for meal prepping and can be paired with rice, veggies, or just eaten as a snack.
Conclusion
These Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs are an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that I can’t get enough of. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a party snack, they always disappear fast. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can enjoy a delicious, tangy, and sweet dish that’s always a hit. Plus, the convenience of the crockpot means I can get on with my day while it does all the work!
Print
Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Yield:
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Buffalo Crockpot Meatballs are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Made with frozen or homemade meatballs, buffalo sauce, honey, and a few simple ingredients, this easy crockpot recipe is ideal for busy days or feeding a crowd. The slow-cooked meatballs absorb all the flavors, creating a tender, juicy dish everyone will love. Perfect for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen meatballs (or homemade if preferred)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Once cooked, stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add more buffalo sauce or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free meatballs and soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
