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Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatballs

Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatballs
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Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. This effortless recipe requires minimal prep and offers maximum flavor, making it perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game day snacks. The meatballs boast a kid-friendly mild flavor and are made with simple pantry staples, easily adaptable to dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups honey BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Shape and Brown Meatballs (Optional): Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. For enhanced flavor and color, brown them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This step can be skipped if short on time.
  3. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the honey BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce in Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over them, making sure each meatball is coated.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the meatballs and thickens the sauce.
  6. Final Stir and Serve: Gently stir the meatballs to fully coat them with the glossy, thick, and sweet sauce. Serve warm with your choice of sides or garnishes.

Notes

  • Don’t Skip Browning: Browning meatballs before slow cooking improves flavor and appearance.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality BBQ sauce greatly enhance taste.
  • Keep Even Sizes: Shape meatballs uniformly so they cook evenly.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste sauce before cooking and add more honey if desired.
  • Slow Cooker Lid Tips: Avoid lifting the lid too often to prevent heat and moisture loss.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey BBQ meatballs, easy appetizer, game day recipe, family dinner, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/slow-cooker-honey-bbq-meatballs/