Easy Crockpot 3-Ingredient Honey BBQ Meatballs Recipe Perfect for Busy Weeknights
A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe using just three ingredients—pre-cooked frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce, and honey—to create tender, sticky, and flavorful honey BBQ meatballs perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (low) or 1.5 to 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings (about 6 meatballs per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900 grams) pre-cooked frozen meatballs (beef or beef-pork blend recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) smoky BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup (85 ml) honey
Instructions
- Gather and prep your ingredients. Measure out 2 pounds (900 grams) of frozen pre-cooked meatballs. No need to thaw.
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) BBQ sauce and 1/3 cup (85 ml) honey until well blended.
- Place the frozen meatballs evenly in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot, layering no more than two layers for even cooking.
- Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the meatballs and gently mix with a spoon or spatula to coat each meatball without breaking them.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check after 1 1/2 hours if cooking on high to avoid drying out.
- About halfway through cooking, gently stir the meatballs to redistribute the sauce and prevent sticking.
- Before serving, toss gently and test one meatball for temperature and flavor. For thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- If sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into crockpot. Cook uncovered on high for 10 minutes until thickened.
Notes
Use pre-cooked meatballs to prevent drying out or falling apart. Layer meatballs in a single or double layer for even cooking. Stir gently halfway through cooking. Adjust honey and BBQ sauce ratio to control sweetness. For gluten-free, ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Maple syrup can substitute honey but will alter flavor. Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 15
Keywords: honey BBQ meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, 3-ingredient recipe, weeknight meal, BBQ sauce, honey glaze