If you’re craving a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, look no further than Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs. These tender and juicy meatballs are infused with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this irresistible dish, along with variations for keto and low-carb diets.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 22 saltine crackers, crushed (approx. 1 cup)
- 1/3 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves (or substitute with tangerine or orange preserves)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, crushed saltine crackers, minced onion, milk, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Place the meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce, honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and butter until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs, reserving the remaining sauce for dipping or drizzling.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
- Serve the meatballs hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Bake Option: If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the saltine crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Turkey Variation: You can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this recipe, you can make the following modifications:
- Substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the saltine crackers to reduce the carb content.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the honey and brown sugar.
- Serve the meatballs with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before pouring it over the meatballs.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them in the microwave or on the stove.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, these flavorful meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone. With their sweet and spicy sauce and tender texture, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of honey buffalo goodness!
