Name: Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup honey; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves minced garlic

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly irresistible about Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs—the sweet, sticky glaze clinging to each bite, the savory, juicy center, and the rich barbecue aroma filling your kitchen. This award-worthy dish captures all the nostalgic charm of a backyard get-together, but with the total ease and hands-off magic of your slow cooker. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a family dinner, or a cozy night in, Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs never fail to impress. They’re the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food, and once you taste that honey-garlic barbecue sauce, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part: every ingredient in this recipe has a simple job, but together they create a flavor explosion that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Just a few kitchen staples are all you need, and each one brings a new layer of taste, tenderness, or that signature sticky glaze.

Ground beef: The heart of your meatballs, giving them that classic savory flavor and juicy texture.
Bread crumbs: These binders keep the meatballs tender and help soak up all the saucy goodness.
Large egg: Acts as glue, keeping everything together for perfect, never-crumbly meatballs.
Garlic powder: Adds an instant boost of garlicky depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory, meaty notes in every bite.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Honey: Delivers that signature sticky-sweet glaze and a beautifully caramelized finish.
BBQ sauce: Rich, tangy, and smoky, it’s the backbone of your irresistible sauce.
Soy sauce: Brings a hint of umami and salt, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic doubles down on the garlicky aroma and bite.

How to Make Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine your ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This is the foundation of our Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs! Using your hands is best—just gently blend everything together until every ingredient is evenly distributed but don’t over-mix; this keeps your meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture holds together, form it into small, 1-inch balls. Rolling them between your palms makes for a smooth, even texture. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform—homemade charm beats perfection every time!

Step 3: Optional—Brown for Flavor

If you have a few extra minutes, pop your meatballs onto a lined baking sheet and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes. This step adds depth and a light crust, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it and go straight to the slow cooker. Either way, your Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs will be delicious.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This sauce is the star, giving your meatballs that sticky, sweet, garlicky gloss. It’s impossible to resist licking the spoon!

Step 5: Layer and Pour

Whether you pre-brown or not, arrange your meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the honey-garlic BBQ sauce over them, ensuring every meatball is well-coated and swimming in flavor.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Pop on the lid and cook on low for about 4 hours. This low-and-slow method lets all those bold flavors sink in, and it creates the most comforting aroma throughout your kitchen. When they’re done, your meatballs will be tender, rich, and perfectly saucy.

Step 7: Serve with Extra Sauce

Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir, then serve the Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs warm. Spoon a little extra sauce over each serving—it’s too good to leave behind!

How to Serve Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds an inviting pop of color and a touch of freshness to the rich, saucy meatballs. For a little extra zing, try a light dusting of sesame seeds—both look elegant and add a gentle crunch.

Side Dishes

Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that glorious sauce. They also shine alongside a crisp coleslaw, roasted veggies, or as a hearty filling for a toasted sub roll. Don’t be surprised if people go back for seconds (or thirds…).

Creative Ways to Present

Transform these into a fun appetizer by skewering each meatball with a toothpick—perfect for parties or game nights! For a family-style twist, pile them high in a large serving bowl with extra sauce on the side. Or, channel your inner chef and serve over a smear of creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a restaurant-worthy plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer them, along with the extra sauce, to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making lunch or dinner tomorrow a total breeze.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze like a dream! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with plenty of the sauce—this keeps them moist and flavorful. They’ll keep for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first. The microwave also works for quick lunches—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought frozen meatballs work well in this recipe. Just pour the sauce over them in the slow cooker and adjust cook time as needed—they’ll be just as saucy and delicious.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Browning adds a little extra flavor and helps the meatballs keep their shape, but it’s totally optional. You’ll still get juicy, tender Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs either way!

What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Choose your favorite! A classic, smoky BBQ sauce is fabulous, but you can experiment with sweet, spicy, or hickory varieties for a personal touch. The honey and garlic will shine through any style.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the regular bread crumbs for gluten-free ones and ensure your soy sauce and BBQ sauce are certified gluten-free. The flavor and texture will still be spot on.

Are these meatballs spicy?

The standard recipe isn’t spicy—just sweet, garlicky, and tangy. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting and a little bit special, Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs absolutely delivers. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a party, and the flavors are simply addictive. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible slow-cooked favorite. Enjoy every saucy bite!

Honey-garlic Bbq Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: About 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a nostalgic childhood favorite with a modern twist. Tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner or party appetizer.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Brown the Meatballs (Optional): Place meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Combine: Transfer the meatballs to the crockpot, then pour the honey-garlic BBQ sauce over them.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Serve: Serve warm, drizzling extra sauce from the crockpot over the meatballs if desired.

Notes

You can customize the sauce by adjusting the sweetness or adding a bit of heat with hot sauce.
For a party, keep the meatballs warm in the crockpot on the ‘keep warm’ setting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American