Go Back
Olivia

Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are the ultimate blend of sweet, smoky, and sticky goodness. Made with frozen meatballs and a simple homemade honey-barbecue sauce, they’re perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game day spreads. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer to savory perfection. A true crowd-pleaser with minimal effort!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce your favorite brand
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Optional: 1 tbsp hot sauce or sriracha for heat

Method
 

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional hot sauce.
  2. Add Meatballs: Place frozen meatballs into your Crockpot.
  3. Pour Sauce Over Top: Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 4–6 hours until meatballs are hot and the sauce is thick and glossy.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Serve warm from the Crockpot or transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use frozen fully cooked meatballs for convenience, or make your own for a homemade touch.
Combine your favorite BBQ sauce with honey for that perfect sweet-and-smoky balance—taste and adjust the ratio to your liking.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth and brightness.
Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, stirring halfway through to coat evenly.
For thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers at parties and game days.
Pile onto hoagie rolls or slider buns with coleslaw for easy sandwiches.
Pair with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or rice for a hearty meal.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or a crisp salad.
Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead entertaining.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Combine meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight—just pop it in the cooker the next day.
Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce together in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat in a pot over low heat, in the microwave, or back in the slow cooker until warmed through.
Tasty Variations to Try
Spicy BBQ Kick: Add chipotle sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for heat.
Asian-Inspired: Swap BBQ sauce for hoisin and soy sauce, and add garlic and ginger.
Cranberry BBQ: Mix a can of cranberry sauce with BBQ and honey for a festive twist.
Cheesy Version: Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use lighter meatballs for a leaner version.