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Easy Honey BBQ Meatballs: Best Slow Cooker Appetizer

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These Easy Honey BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. With a sweet, sticky glaze and tender, juicy meatballs, they’re perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Make the Panade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk, creating a paste.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: To the bowl with the panade, add the ground beef, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Do not overmix.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 28-32 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  4. Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on all sides. They do not need to be cooked through.
  5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic.
  6. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the browned meatballs into a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the top, making sure all the meatballs are coated. Gently stir to combine.
  7. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  8. Serve: Give the meatballs a final stir to re-coat them in the sauce. Transfer to a serving dish or serve directly from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, remove cooked meatballs, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into sauce, and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use dairy-free Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, easy appetizer, game day food, party meatballs

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