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Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs – Sweet, Sticky & Effortless Party Favorite

These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are the definition of easy comfort food. Made with tender beef or chicken meatballs slowly simmered in a sweet, sticky honey BBQ sauce, this recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, game days, or stress-free family dinners. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. The sauce is what makes these meatballs truly irresistible—rich barbecue flavor balanced with honey sweetness and a touch of fruity depth. The result is a glossy, crave-worthy glaze that clings to every bite. Simple, reliable, and always a hit, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
  • Frozen meatballs fully cooked (beef or chicken only)
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Honey
  • Grape jelly
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing spoon
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

Step 1: Add the meatballs
  1. Place frozen beef or chicken meatballs directly into the crockpot.
Step 2: Make the sauce
  1. In a bowl, stir together barbecue sauce, honey, and grape jelly until well combined.
Step 3: Combine
  1. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  2. Stir gently to coat all meatballs evenly.
Step 4: Slow cook
  1. Cover and cook:
  2. Low: 3–4 hours
  3. High: 1½–2 hours
  4. Stir once halfway through cooking if possible.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Once heated through and glossy, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
  2. Serve warm directly from the crockpot.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the crockpot or on the stovetop.
🥄 Variations
Easy ways to adjust while keeping the sweet BBQ magic:
Spicy Honey BBQ: Add a small amount of chili flakes or mild hot sauce.
Extra Sweet: Increase honey slightly.
Tangy Version: Use a smoky or vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks.
Dinner Option: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
❓ 10 FAQs
What meatballs should I use?
Fully cooked beef or chicken meatballs only.
Do I need to thaw meatballs first?
No, frozen works perfectly.
Is this dish very sweet?
Balanced sweet and savory.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—mild and comforting.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your crockpot is large enough.
Will the sauce thicken?
Yes, it becomes glossy as it cooks.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer gently until heated through.
Is parsley required?
No, it’s optional for freshness.
Is this good for parties?
One of the best slow-cooker party foods.
🏁 Conclusion
These Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs are everything you want in a hands-off recipe—sweet, sticky, comforting, and incredibly easy. With just a few ingredients and almost no prep, you get a crowd-pleasing dish that works for any occasion. Keep this recipe in your rotation—it never fails.