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Crock pot meatballs glazed with honey buffalo sauce served on a plate

Crock Pot Meatballs with Honey Buffalo Sauce

Delicious meatballs simmered in a spicy-sweet Honey Buffalo Sauce, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Lean ground beef Substitute with turkey for a lighter option.
  • 2 large Eggs Flaxseed meal can work for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 cup Saltine crackers (crushed) Breadcrumbs or panko can be used instead.
  • 1 tbsp Dried minced onion Fresh onion can be substituted but may add moisture.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Dairy-free milk works too.
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar Coconut sugar is a great substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder Fresh garlic is a great alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Onion powder You can use more fresh onions as per taste.
  • 1 tsp Salt Sea salt provides a nice touch.
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder Paprika can replace it for less heat.
  • 1 tbsp Smoked paprika Regular paprika will suffice.
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin Coriander can also be a substitute.
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper White pepper is acceptable too.
For the Honey Buffalo Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Frank's Red Hot Original Sauce Any hot sauce will work to your taste.
  • 1/2 cup Honey Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup Apricot preserves Peach preserves work well too.
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar More honey can substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Reduced sodium soy sauce Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Arrowroot powder will also do the job.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  2. In a large bowl, add eggs and gently whisk them until foamy.
  3. Add in all the other meatball ingredients and mix until well combined.
  4. Roll the mixture into meatballs of your desired size.
  5. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cooking
  1. Meanwhile, whisk together all the Honey Buffalo Sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.
  2. In your slow cooker, create a layer with half of the baked meatballs, drizzling some Honey Buffalo Sauce over them.
  3. Add the remaining meatballs on top and drizzle with the rest of the sauce.
  4. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-4 hours, gently stirring every hour.
  5. When finished, taste and adjust the heat with additional hot sauce as needed.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These meatballs freeze well in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.