Delicious honey garlic BBQ meatballs cooked in a crockpot.

Honey Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs {Super Easy}

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Honey Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs {Super Easy}

When I think of cozy evenings, I picture a warm kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of something delicious bubbling away in the pot. Honey Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs instantly evoke those memories of family gatherings and lazy Sunday afternoons when the world outside is chilly, but inside, we are all wrapped in the comforts of homemade goodness. These meatballs are tender and juicy, coated in a luscious sweet and tangy sauce that makes every bite a journey into comfort!

Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. You’ll want to pin this one for later—trust me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, these meatballs come together effortlessly, making them a fantastic choice for a busy evening.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet yet savory combination of honey, BBQ sauce, and garlic makes these meatballs irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
  • Crockpot Convenience: Set it and forget it! Just pop everything into the crockpot, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready without the hassle.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, in a cozy meal prep bowl with veggies, or as an appetizer for your next gathering, these meatballs fit the bill.
  • Make Ahead & Freeze Friendly: These meatballs are perfect for meal prep, making them easy to store for later. You can enjoy them fresh or frozen—quite the lifesaver!

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients

  • 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 yellow onion, grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s Make It Together

  1. In a large bowl, mix 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Set this sweet sauce aside, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

  2. In another bowl, combine 1 lb extra-lean ground beef, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 grated yellow onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix until just combined; this will keep your meatballs tender and juicy.

  3. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly cooked and golden browned. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor!

  4. Gently add the seared meatballs to the crockpot using tongs. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re well-coated.

  5. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. The longer they cook, the more they soak in that delightful flavor!

  6. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks for an easy snack or plate them up in meal prep bowls with steamed broccoli for a simple, satisfying dinner. Enjoy!

Remember, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days—a perfect solution for busy weekdays! And if you happen to have some meatballs left, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations & Creative Twists

Delicious Variations to Try

  • Zesty BBQ: Swap regular BBQ sauce for a spicy version to give your meatballs a kick!
  • Creamy Cheesy: Serve the meatballs over a creamy cheese sauce for an indulgent twist—perfect for a party!
  • Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a vibrant flavor profile that brightens the dish.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef for plant-based meat or chickpeas for a hearty veggie version that’s just as delicious!

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Tips for Perfect Results

  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture and sauce the night before. Simply assemble in the crockpot in the morning, and you’ll come home to a heavenly dinner!
  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to adjust seasonings or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary to fit your dietary needs.
  • Slicing Tip: Use a cookie scoop to create evenly sized meatballs; this ensures they cook uniformly.

Nutrition Information per Serving

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 260
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Sodium: 450mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader FAQs About Honey Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs {Super Easy}

  • Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.
  • Can I use different ingredients? Yes, you can customize the ingredients to your liking, including alternative meats or sauces.
  • How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • How long does it last? Leftovers typically last around 5 days in the fridge, but you’ll likely finish them off much sooner!

Final Thoughts

Wrapping It Up

These Honey Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a fabric of warmth and comfort you can wrap your family in on a chilly evening. The simplicity of the recipe is what makes it so special—effortlessly bringing people together over a delightful meal. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your dinner ideas board and share it with friends who need an easy weeknight meal option. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Print
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Honey Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 135 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Paleo
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Description

Tender and juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and tangy honey garlic BBQ sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 yellow onion, grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, and minced garlic. Set aside.
  2. In another bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sear meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  4. Transfer the meatballs to the crockpot and pour the prepared sauce over them.
  5. Cover and cook on high for 120 minutes or low for 240 minutes.
  6. Serve with toothpicks or in meal prep bowls with vegetables.

Notes

Feel free to make ahead and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing is also an option for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Crockpot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: meatballs, crockpot, dinner, easy recipe, BBQ sauce

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