Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are the ultimate weeknight dinner hero, offering a delicious and incredibly easy way to get a flavorful meal on the table with minimal effort. This fuss-free recipe is perfect for busy families, busy professionals, or anyone craving a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish.
Key Ingredients for Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs :
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or a blend)
- 1 (18 ounce) bottle Honey BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves or jelly
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion (optional, for added flavor and texture)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Get ready for a dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious! Our Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs come together with just a few simple steps, promising a tender, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying meal. With minimal prep time – just about 10 minutes – you can throw everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is succulent meatballs bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for any occasion and incredibly forgiving for beginner cooks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking. This is an optional but recommended step for easy cleanup.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Honey BBQ sauce, apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. If you’re using chopped yellow onion, add it to this mixture now. Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that pre-cooked meatballs and BBQ sauce can already contain salt, so taste before adding too much.
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen pre-cooked meatballs directly into the slow cooker. Do not thaw them first; the slow cooker will handle the thawing process as it cooks.
- Pour Sauce Over Meatballs: Pour the prepared Honey BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Ensure all the meatballs are coated as much as possible.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to the “Low” setting. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly and is bubbly. The cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker’s model and its “Low” setting temperature.
- Cook on High (Optional): If you are short on time, you can cook on the “High” setting for 1 to 1.5 hours, though cooking on low generally results in more tender meatballs.
- Serve: Once cooked, stir the meatballs gently. Serve hot, spooning the delicious Honey BBQ sauce over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight staple with these Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs! The star of this dish is undoubtedly the incredibly tender meatballs enveloped in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy Honey BBQ sauce. This recipe is a true budget-friendly champion compared to takeout, using common pantry staples and affordable frozen meatballs, making it a smart choice for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. The delightful combination of sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and the subtle tang from Dijon mustard creates a flavor profile that’s utterly irresistible, a delightful step up from a basic BBQ sauce, and a real crowd-pleaser.
Seriously, who can resist a warm, savory bite of these saucy delights? They offer a comforting and familiar taste, much like classic BBQ chicken but with the irresistible chewiness of meatballs. So go ahead, cancel that delivery order and whip up a batch of these Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs for your next family dinner. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful and satisfying meal right in your own kitchen; give them a try and prepare for rave reviews!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating your delicious Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs is a breeze, ensuring you can enjoy them for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Once the meatballs have cooled to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking), transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep the sauce with the meatballs, as it helps maintain their moisture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs. Allow them to cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. It’s best to freeze them in serving-sized portions for easy thawing and reheating.
- Reheating in a Skillet: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through and the sauce is bubbly again, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion of the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and microwave on 50% power for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Reheating in the Crockpot: You can also reheat them in your slow cooker on the “Warm” setting for about 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. This is a great option if you need to keep them warm for a gathering.
Final Thoughts
These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are your secret weapon for effortless, crowd-pleasing meals packed with flavor. Give them a try for a stress-free and delicious dinner solution that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking. This is an optional but recommended step for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Honey BBQ sauce, apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. If you’re using chopped yellow onion, add it to this mixture now. Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that pre-cooked meatballs and BBQ sauce can already contain salt, so taste before adding too much.1 (18 ounce) bottle Honey BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apricot preserves or jelly, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion, to taste salt, to taste black pepper
- Place the frozen pre-cooked meatballs directly into the slow cooker. Do not thaw them first; the slow cooker will handle the thawing process as it cooks.1 (16 ounce) package frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or a blend)
- Pour the prepared Honey BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Ensure all the meatballs are coated as much as possible.1 (16 ounce) package frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or a blend), 1 (18 ounce) bottle Honey BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup apricot preserves or jelly, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion, to taste salt, to taste black pepper
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to the "Low" setting. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly and is bubbly. The cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker’s model and its "Low" setting temperature.
- If you are short on time, you can cook on the "High" setting for 1 to 1.5 hours, though cooking on low generally results in more tender meatballs.
- Once cooked, stir the meatballs gently. Serve hot, spooning the delicious Honey BBQ sauce over the top.