These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a perfect combo of sweet and spicy. Made with ground meat and coated in a tasty honey buffalo sauce, they’re super flavorful!
Cooking them in a slow cooker is a breeze—I just toss everything in and let it do its magic. Great for game day or a cozy night in. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I like using a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor, but you can stick to all beef or even use turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: If you need a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I sometimes use panko for a crunchier texture!
Hot sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but if you want it milder, you could use a less spicy sauce or a wing sauce. For a unique twist, experiment with sriracha or a chipotle sauce.
Honey: If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try using maple syrup or agave nectar. They both offer a nice sweetness!
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Tender?
To keep your meatballs tender, mix the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Too much mixing can create tough meatballs. Here’s a simple method for shaping them:
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
- Brown them in a skillet for added flavor, which takes just a few minutes.
- When they cook in the slow cooker, they’ll soak up all that tasty sauce.
Also, remember not to pack the meat too tightly when forming them—it helps keep them light and fluffy. Giving them just a light roll works best!
Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the Honey Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep work, including mixing the meatball ingredients and shaping them. The cooking time will be either 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, in total, you’re looking at around 4 hours if cooking on low or 2.5 hours on high. Perfect for setting it and forgetting it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using. Mix everything gently until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or baking sheet. This should give you around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil if needed and brown the meatballs on all sides. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You’re not cooking them through; you just want to achieve a nice golden crust!
4. Make the Honey Buffalo Sauce:
In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, honey, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Microwave for 30-60 seconds until the butter is melted, then stir to combine the sauce.
5. Slow Cook the Meatballs:
Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour the honey buffalo sauce over the top and gently stir everything to coat the meatballs evenly.
6. Cook to Perfection:
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 bubbly and slightly thickened. This is when the flavor gets delightful!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the meatballs a gentle stir to coat them in sauce completely. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. These meatballs can be served warm as an appetizer or over rice for a delicious main dish. Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing if you like!
Enjoy your delicious, sweet and spicy Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen meatballs! Just add them directly to the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time. They may need an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour to cook through, so check for doneness before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop to enjoy later!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the meatballs and choose a milder hot sauce. Alternatively, you can add more hot sauce if you like a spicier kick!
What Can I Serve with Honey Buffalo Meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with a variety of sides! Serve them over rice, pasta, or in a sub roll for a hearty sandwich. They also go great with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter option.