Description
These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prepping. Made with ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, these meatballs are slow-cooked to tender, flavorful perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley, they offer a comforting classic taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or meat of choice)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure consistent cooking. You should get approximately 16 to 20 meatballs.
- Place Meatballs in Crockpot: Carefully arrange the meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot to allow them to cook evenly.
- Add Honey BBQ Sauce: Pour the entire cup of honey BBQ sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated for flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. The meatballs will be tender and infused with the sweet barbecue flavor when done.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs to coat them in the sauce again. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meatball mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs can be doubled and frozen before cooking for easy future meals.
- If your crockpot runs hot, check for doneness around 4 hours to prevent overcooking.
