Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Honey garlic meatballs are tender and sweet with just the right amount of heat. Prep these honey BBQ meatballs in 5 minutes and let the crockpot do the rest!

titled collage for crockpot honey garlic meatballs

We all have those days where we forgot to pull the meat from the freezer to thaw or we’re just too busy to cook.

ingredients for honey garlic meatballs

Honey Garlic Meatballs

Enter this simple honey garlic meatballs recipe — it can be thrown together with a handful of ingredients, and you may already have everything on hand!

Crockpot meatballs with sauce is such an easy dinner option for the whole family, which is why I have Italian and honey sriracha versions as well.

And when there are only two or three people to feed, there’s plenty for leftovers!

frozen meatballs in crockpot with bowl of sauce to the side

Honey Garlic Meatballs Crockpot Tips and Tricks

  • Stir occasionally. The honey garlic meatballs towards the top may start to brown, so give everything a good stir every hour or so to keep them evenly coated.
  • In a hurry? Since frozen meatballs are precooked, you can cook them on High for 2 hours instead.

    I still recommend using the Low setting if possible — the longer everything has to marinate, the more flavor you’ll get in every bite.
  • Create a glaze. You can take the lid off after 2 hours to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

    Or, transfer the sauce to a pan on the stove once the honey bbq meatballs are done cooking and simmer until thickened.
  • Add some heat. Mix in a dash or two of red pepper flakes if you want your slow cooker honey garlic meatballs to be a little spicy.

Honey BBQ Meatballs Serving Suggestions

We love to spoon honey garlic meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes for an easy, filling meal.

Throw together a simple salad or steamed veggies at the last minute to add some green to your plate if you would like.

They make a great party appetizer as well!

Transfer them to a platter with toothpicks or let guests help themselves to honey garlic meatballs in the crockpot so they stay nice and warm.

Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe FAQ

Should I thaw meatballs before putting them in the crockpot?

As long as they are precooked, there’s no need for the extra step. Dump in the whole bag straight from the freezer!

The slow cooker will transform them from rock hard spheres to tender, juicy morsels in just a few hours!

Can I use a different BBQ sauce?

Sure! I’ve used a Spicy Honey BBQ when I wanted to give this honey garlic meatballs recipe a little kick.

You can also combine a hickory flavor with some extra honey to make your own version.

scooping meatballs with sauce out of crockpot

Storing and Reheating Leftover Meatballs

Allow meatballs to cool, then transfer them to a storage container with a lid. Place them in the refrigerator and use within 5 to 7 days for best results.

You can also freeze slow cooker honey garlic meatballs for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

To warm them back up, microwave honey garlic meatballs in batches or simmer with the sauce on the stove until heated through to the center.

plate of glazed meatballs on toothpicks

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter Pinterest | Instagram 


meatballs with sauce over rice

honey garlic meatballs over rice

Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Donna Elick
Honey garlic meatballs are tender and sweet with just the right amount of heat. Prep these in 5 minutes and let the crockpot do the rest!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Slow Cooker
Servings 8

Ingredients
 

  • 32 ounce bag of frozen, cooked meatballs (or my Italian herb baked meatballs)
  • 40 ounce container of Honey BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions
 

  • Mix together the brown sugar, honey, honey BBQ sauce, and garlic in a medium bowl.
  • Dump the meatballs into the crockpot and pour the sauce over, stirring to coat all of the meatballs.
  • Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring every hour or so.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 637cal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1527mg | Sugar: 71g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled image for Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Originally published May 2021, updated and republished April 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The Simple Kitchen cookbook affiliate linked banner

5 Comments

  1. Love the recipe but I’ve got to make my meatballs! Store bought has pork in them! Don’t like getting sick! Meatballs are always a hit!🙌🏾🥰❤️

    1. Hi Tanya many stores & Wal-Mart carry fully cooked, All Beef Meatballs, Chicken Meatballs, Turkey Meatballs. I’ve tried them all & they are really good.
      You just have to maybe ask an associate if you can’t find them

  2. It would be very easy to make this recipe one that will fit into a low carb way of eating. There are many sugar free BBQ sauces available in the stores, as well as low carb brown sugar.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating