Name: Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 310 min
Ingredients: 1 bag frozen meatballs; ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup apricot preserves; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch

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There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs wafting through your home, isn’t there? I remember the first time I made these little flavor bombs; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something that felt like a warm hug. As the meatballs simmered, the tangy and sweet sauce enveloped each one, creating a mouthwatering dish that had everyone raving. The best part? It involved minimal effort on my part while delivering maximum satisfaction for my family and friends. Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs always steal the spotlight.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
5 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
300 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
15 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Slow Cooker, Whisk, Wooden Spoon

Why We Love This Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the reasons I absolutely adore Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs is their versatility. They can be served as appetizers during a party, a main dish for dinner, or even as a delightful snack while watching your favorite movie. Regardless of the occasion, these meatballs always seem to fit right in.

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor

Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that tastes gourmet. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you enjoy your day.

Sweet and Spicy Balance

The combination of honey and Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce creates a heavenly harmony of sweet and spicy. Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. It’s the perfect way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen!

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who likes to plan meals ahead of time, this recipe is a game-changer. You can make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. The flavor intensifies as they sit, making them even more delicious when reheated.

Kid-Friendly Option

Don’t let the word “Buffalo” scare you! These meatballs are mild enough for kids to enjoy, and they’re sure to become a family favorite. Pair them with some veggies or rice, and you’ll have a balanced meal that everyone loves.

Impressive Presentation

Last but not least, Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs look fantastic on any table. Just a sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top can elevate their appearance. Serve them up with toothpicks for an easy-to-eat dish that guests will rave about.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs

When it comes to the ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs, simplicity is key. The magic lies in the perfect balance of flavors that meld together while they cook. Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs: The star of the show, these meatballs provide a hearty base for the dish. Opt for a quality brand to ensure they hold up well during cooking.
¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce: This is where the magic happens! The hot sauce adds a lovely, spicy kick that’s balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the honey.
¼ cup honey: This ingredient brings in the sweetness that pairs so beautifully with the spicy sauce.
¼ cup apricot preserves: The apricot preserves add another layer of sweetness and a touch of fruitiness, enhancing the overall flavor.
¼ cup brown sugar: This enriches the sweetness and creates a lovely caramelization as the meatballs cook.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: A dash of soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to each meatball.

Step by Step Guide for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps for making Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs. Trust me, the process is as easy as it gets.

Start by spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that your meatballs won’t stick to the bottom, making cleanup easier.
Next, take that bag of frozen meatballs and pour them straight into the slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them; they will cook perfectly from frozen, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup apricot preserves, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch. You want to get a smooth mixture, so whisk it well until everything is combined.
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure to stir gently, ensuring all the meatballs are well-coated in that luscious sauce.
Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. This is the best part—the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.
Every hour or so, give the meatballs a gentle stir. This helps them cook evenly and allows the sauce to penetrate all sides, making them even more flavorful.
As the cooking time comes to an end, check that the meatballs are heated through. They should be steaming hot and juicy, ready to be served.
Finally, serve the meatballs fresh from the slow cooker, or keep them warm on the lowest setting until you’re ready to enjoy them. Don’t forget to have some toothpicks handy for easy serving!

Things Worth Knowing

Using frozen meatballs is a real time-saver. Just make sure they’re fully covered in sauce for the best flavor.
Stirring every hour helps distribute the heat evenly, ensuring all meatballs are cooked to perfection.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the meatballs cook uncovered for the last half hour. This allows some liquid to evaporate.
Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste.

Make It Your Own

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some tips to customize your Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs:

Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to three months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
Pairing: These meatballs pair wonderfully with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Variations: Try adding different types of sauces to change the flavor profile. A teriyaki sauce would be an interesting twist!
Garnish: Top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor boost!
Serving Style: Serve in mini slider buns for a fun twist at parties!

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs

Now that you’ve made your Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs, let’s explore how to serve them up for maximum enjoyment:

As Appetizers: Serve these meatballs on toothpicks as a bite-sized appetizer. They’re perfect for parties and gatherings.
With Rice or Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the meatballs on a bed of rice or over noodles. The sauce will soak into the grains, making each bite delicious.
Game Day Snack: These meatballs are a fantastic addition to any game day spread. Just keep them warm in the slow cooker and let your guests serve themselves!
Over Mashed Potatoes: Another delicious option is to serve them over creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce complements the potatoes wonderfully.
In a Wrap: Consider making wraps by adding the meatballs to tortillas with some lettuce and ranch dressing for a quick lunch option.
Seasonal Serving: During the fall, pair these meatballs with roasted vegetables for a comforting meal that warms you up.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in a well-sealed container in the fridge for a quick lunch the next day. They reheat beautifully!

FAQ

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh meatballs, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh meatballs typically cook quicker than frozen, so you might only need to cook them for 2 to 3 hours on low. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.

The spice level in Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs can be adjusted to your liking. Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce provides a moderate heat. If you prefer extra spice, feel free to add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.

These meatballs can be served in many ways! You can enjoy them as appetizers with toothpicks, over rice or noodles for a hearty meal, or even in a wrap with fresh veggies. Pairing them with a cool ranch dressing or blue cheese dip also complements their flavor beautifully.

Yes! One of the great things about Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs is that they can be made ahead of time. You can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat them before serving, and they will taste just as delicious!

Conclusion

Ultimately, Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that make any mealtime special. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering or simply for a comforting weeknight dinner at home. You won’t be disappointed with this recipe, and your taste buds will thank you for it!