Amazing Honey Barbecue Slow Cooker Meatballs

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide a healthier option with more fiber.

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup + vinegar

Homemade sauce can reduce sugar and preservatives.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often cheaper.

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness with a unique flavor.

Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Mix until well combined, then form into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer browned meatballs to a slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, mustard, and red pepper flakes.

Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Stir meatballs gently halfway through cooking to ensure even coating with sauce.

Once cooked, sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Serve meatballs warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens