Slow Cooker Hot Honey Meatballs
If you’re looking for an amazing recipe that combines sweet heat and ease of preparation, these Slow Cooker Hot Honey Meatballs are the perfect choice. Packed with tender meatballs coated in the most tantalizing sweet and spicy sauce, this recipe is a big hit for game day, a party appetizer, or even a main course over white rice.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this crockpot meatball recipe is destined to become one of your favorite recipes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious. Let’s dive into how to make these honey buffalo crockpot meatballs!
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Beef or Turkey Meatballs: These are the star of the dish, offering convenience while delivering tender meatballs that hold up beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Honey: Adds the perfect sweetness to balance the spicy sauce ingredients, making every bite irresistible.
- Salted Butter: Enhances the richness of the sauce and helps it cling to the little meatballs.
- Frank’s Wing Sauce: Brings the classic buffalo wing flavor with medium heat, perfect for spicy meatballs.
- Cayenne Pepper: Turns up the heat just a little bit for those who love a spicy sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds texture and an extra kick of spice, making these spicy meatballs truly unforgettable.
Absolutely! Just brown them first in a large skillet with olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
Yes, buffalo wing sauce or sriracha sauce can work as substitutes for Frank’s.
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Store Leftovers: Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a large bowl in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Freeze: These meatballs freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make a Double Batch: These meatballs are such a big hit that you might want to double the recipe and freeze half for later.
- Try Chicken Meatballs: For a lighter twist, substitute ground chicken meatballs for the beef or turkey.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Serve with Style: These meatballs pair wonderfully with white rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs and adjust cooking time as needed.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Honey Meatballs
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Add honey, melted butter, Frank’s wing sauce, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes on top.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 5-7 hours (or high for 2-3 hours). Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce evenly coats the meatballs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately over white rice, mashed potatoes, or as sliders with pickle chips. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish if desired.
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 32 oz package frozen beef or turkey meatballs
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup melted salted butter
- ⅓ cup franks wing sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional – Salt and pepper to taste
- Pickle chips and buns for serving
Instructions
- Place meatballs into the bottom of a 5 quart or larger slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients on top of the meatballs.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to high for 2-3 hours, or 5-7 hours on low, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve immediately as is, or over mashed potatoes or rice, enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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