How do I adjust the spiciness level of Honey Buffalo Meatballs?

You can control the heat of Honey Buffalo Meatballs by varying the amount of hot sauce added. If you prefer milder meatballs, use less hot sauce and increase the honey for sweetness. For spicier meatballs, add more hot sauce towards the end of cooking. This allows you to balance the sweet and spicy flavors to suit your taste.

What is the best way to cook Buffalo Meatballs to keep them tender?

To keep Buffalo Meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture as this can make meatballs dense. Baking them at 400°F on a foil-lined tray for about 20 minutes is ideal to cook evenly without drying. Alternatively, browning meatballs first then simmering gently in sauce helps retain moisture and flavor.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for Honey Buffalo Meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. However, these meats may be less juicy on their own. To add moisture and flavor, incorporate a tablespoon of oil and a splash of beef bouillon or broth into the mixture. This helps keep the meatballs flavorful and tender.

How can I keep Honey Buffalo Meatballs warm for serving at a gathering?

After cooking, place the meatballs in a slow cooker set to “warm” to maintain temperature without drying out. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This method keeps them ready to serve for up to two hours, making it perfect for parties or buffet-style meals.

What’s the best method for freezing and reheating Honey Buffalo Meatballs?

You can freeze Honey Buffalo Meatballs either cooked in sauce or plain after baking. For cooked meatballs, cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat by simmering in sauce. If freezing uncooked, bake first, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Defrost before cooking fully in your desired method.

Honey Buffalo Meatballs Crockpot Recipe For Easy Dinners

Name: Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Prep time: PT-492012H14M26S
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 2 eggs; 22 crushed saltine crackers (approximately 1 cup); 1/3 cup dried minced onion; 1/3 cup milk; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup hot sauce (plus more to taste); 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon honey; 1/4 cup apricot preserves; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Description

🔥 Enjoy the bold, tangy flavors of Buffalo Meatballs cooked effortlessly in your crockpot for a hands-off dinner.
🍽️ This recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory, making it ideal for gatherings or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds lean ground beef

2 eggs

22 crushed saltine crackers (approximately 1 cup)

1/3 cup dried minced onion

1/3 cup milk

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup hot sauce (plus more to taste)

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup apricot preserves

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1-Getting Honey Buffalo Meatballs just right starts with simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to the kitchen. Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, gently whisk the eggs before adding all the meatball ingredients and mixing until just combined to keep the texture light and juicy.

2-Next, shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes to lightly brown them and seal in the juices, which is a smart trick for better flavor. While the meatballs are baking, whisk together the sauce ingredients, starting with just 1/4 cup hot sauce, then layer the meatballs in a slow cooker with the sauce for even cooking.

3-Cover and cook on low for 2 to 4 hours, stirring gently every hour to ensure everything blends well. Once done, taste and add more hot sauce if you want it spicier. The total preparation time is about 20 minutes of prep, 2 to 4 hours of cooking, and around 2 hours and 20 minutes overall, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Notes

🍲 Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
🍪 Substitute saltine crackers with Ritz crackers for a different texture.
🧪 Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2-4 hours
Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs

Keywords: Buffalo Meatballs, Crockpot Meatballs, Easy Dinners, Spicy Meatballs