Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting dinner? These Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are the answer! Packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy meal after a long day, these meatballs deliver a flavorful punch that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just 20 minutes of prep and a 2-hour slow cook, you’ll have a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2.25 lbs. lean ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup crumbled saltine crackers (about 22 crackers)
- 1/3 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Honey Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves (or tangerine/orange)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil, creating a rim to catch any drippings.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add all the meatball ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size and bake for 8 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the Honey Buffalo Sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Place a layer of meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle with some Honey Buffalo Sauce, then add the remaining meatballs and sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours. After 1 hour, stir the mixture and taste. Add more spicy sauce if desired (about 1.5 tbsp).
- Serve hot and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors!
