Get ready for some tasty meatballs! These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are sweet and spicy, making them an awesome snack or dinner option. Simply mix, cook, and enjoy!
I love how easy they are to make. Just toss them in the slow cooker, and in a few hours, they’re ready to hit the table. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor, but you can easily use just ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs give great texture, but if you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap them with gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even oats can work in a pinch!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. If you’re out, use grated Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s is a favorite for its flavor. If you prefer less heat, look for milder sauces or mix some ketchup with hot sauce for a gentler taste.
Honey: Honey gives sweetness to balance the heat. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you don’t have honey on hand!
How Do You Get the Meatballs Just Right?
When making meatballs, the goal is to have them tender yet firm enough to hold together. Here are some tips:
- Mix the ingredients gently. Overworking the meat can lead to tough meatballs.
- Shape meatballs uniformly. Aim for about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Optional baking step: Baking them briefly before slow cooking can give them a nice crust and help hold their shape!
- Don’t forget to stir gently in the slow cooker for even coating with the sauce, ensuring every bite is tasty!
By keeping things light and not over mixing, your meatballs will turn out soft and delicious! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
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 chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, adds richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll let your slow cooker do the work for about 3 to 4 hours on low (or 1.5 to 2 hours on high). So, you’re looking at a total of around 4 hours or so including cooking time. Perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, milk, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs may be tough!
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs that are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet and get ready for the next step!
3. Optional Baking Step:
If you prefer a firmer crust, you can place the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. This baking step is optional if you like them softer and juicier straight from the slow cooker.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking (or if you skip that step), whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, honey, and optional butter in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
5. Cook the Meatballs:
In the slow cooker, place the meatballs and pour the honey buffalo sauce over them. Gently toss to make sure all the meatballs are coated in the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with a lid.
6. Slow Cooking:
Cook the meatballs on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours. Make sure to give them a gentle stir at least once during cooking to ensure they are evenly coated with sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your meatballs are cooked through and tender, garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve them hot as an appetizer or over rice or crunchy celery sticks for a tasty meal!
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors infused in your tender, juicy honey buffalo meatballs! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey meatballs might be slightly less rich, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon of oil or breadcrumbs to maintain moisture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you love the flavor but want to tone down the heat, you can mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of ketchup or barbecue sauce. Adjust to taste until you reach your desired level of spice!
What Cooking Time Do I Use for Frozen Meatballs?
If you’re using frozen meatballs, increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high. Just make sure they are heated through before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of sauce to keep them moist.
