Juicy Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a good meatball? Juicy, tender, and coated in the perfect sauce, these Juicy Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs take comfort food to the next level. Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned meatball that practically melts in your mouth, covered in a sticky-sweet, garlicky glaze — pure bliss!

The best part? You can make these show-stopping bites with just a handful of ingredients and almost no effort. Simply toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you sit back and relax. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy for dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

What Are Juicy Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can meatballs get any better?” — the answer is yes, once you smother them in honey-garlic BBQ sauce. These meatballs are a happy kitchen accident that turned into a fan favorite. The sweet honey pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ and aromatic garlic, creating a sauce that clings to every bite.

Perfect as a main dish or party appetizer, these little flavor bombs are guaranteed to steal the show. So grab your crockpot — it’s time to make magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these meatballs will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unbeatable flavor – A delicious mix of sweet, savory, and smoky in every bite.

• Effortless cooking – Toss it all in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.

• Budget-friendly – Cheaper (and tastier) than takeout!

• Family-approved – Great for kids, game nights, or potlucks.

• Easy to customize – Adjust the heat, herbs, or even swap the protein.

If you’re already a fan of BBQ chicken wings, you’ll love these meatballs just as much — maybe even more!

How to Make Juicy Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

Quick Overview

This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep and then simmers in the slow cooker until tender and glazed to perfection. It’s a no-stress recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

You’ll need:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup honey

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, mix the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.

2. Shape:
   Form 1-inch balls and place them on a tray or plate.

3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In another bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.

4. Load the Crockpot:
   Place the meatballs inside the crockpot and pour the honey-garlic BBQ sauce over them, ensuring each one is coated.

5. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

6. Serve:
   Spoon them out, drizzle with extra sauce, and enjoy hot!

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Try serving them with:

• Fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes

• Garlic bread or roasted vegetables

• A crisp garden salad for a lighter touch

They also make amazing party appetizers — just add toothpicks and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Meatballs

• Avoid overmixing – Mix just until combined to keep your meatballs tender.

• Add your twist – Experiment with herbs, chili flakes, or cheese for new flavor profiles.

• Check temperature – Ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safe doneness.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Once cooled, freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.

• Reheat: Thaw overnight, then warm in the microwave or crockpot until heated through.

Final Thoughts

With their sticky-sweet glaze, tender texture, and rich BBQ flavor, Juicy Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. They’re quick, comforting, and practically foolproof — perfect for both weeknights and celebrations.

Juicy Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs

These Juicy Honey-Garlic BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy them with a sweet and savory honey-garlic BBQ sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use ground beef or turkey based on preference.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs Regular or panko breadcrumbs work well.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 piece egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the honey-garlic BBQ sauce

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand.
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
2. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet as you go.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, BBQ sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
4. Carefully place the meatballs in the crockpot and pour the honey-garlic BBQ sauce over them, making sure they’re well-coated.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You'll know they are ready when the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbly.

Serving

1. Once cooked, use tongs to remove the meatballs and serve them hot with extra sauce on the side, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add different spices, herbs, or even grated cheese to the meat mixture for added flavor. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs. Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe bag.