The Zesty Honey Buffalo Meatballs Recipe Everyone Loves

Weeknight dinners demand a touch of excitement, and these honey buffalo meatballs deliver a flavor punch that transforms ordinary meals.

Tender, juicy beef mingles with zesty buffalo sauce and sweet honey for an irresistible combination.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that leaves taste buds dancing.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy households seeking something deliciously different.

Crispy exterior and succulent interior create a mouthwatering texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or main course, and watch them disappear in minutes.

Prepare to wow your dinner companions with this crowd-pleasing dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

Ingredients for Sweet Spicy Meatballs

• Frozen Meatballs: Pre-cooked meatballs that provide a convenient and hearty protein foundation for the recipe.

• Hot Sauce, Honey, Brown Sugar, Mustard: A combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy condiments that create a flavorful and sticky glaze for the meatballs.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

Making Sweet and Spicy Meatballs at Home

Step 1: Prepare Meatballs

Place frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the pot to ensure consistent heating.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Hot sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Blend until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 3: Coat Meatballs

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

Gently stir to ensure each meatball is completely and evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW temperature for 2.5 to 3 hours.

If you’re short on time, you can use the HIGH setting for 1 hour.

Stir the meatballs occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve hot as an appetizer or main course.

Tips for Juicy Sweet Spicy Meatballs

• Adjust hot sauce quantity to control spice level, using less for mild heat or more for fiery flavors.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze them for quick, convenient meal prep.
• Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweet undertones.
• Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
• Use gluten-free mustard and low-sodium hot sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Sweet Spicy Meatball Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace honey and brown sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use sugar-free hot sauce and mustard to maintain low-carb profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap frozen meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein. Keep sauce ingredients the same for similar flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure hot sauce and mustard are certified gluten-free. Check meatball ingredients for wheat-free certification or make homemade gluten-free meatballs.
• Asian-Inspired Remix: Substitute honey with hoisin sauce, add soy sauce, ginger, and sriracha for an East Asian flavor profile while keeping cooking method identical.

Serving Sweet Spicy Meatballs for Parties

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange meatballs on a large wooden board with toothpicks, surrounded by fresh herbs and colorful dipping sauces for easy finger food.
• Game Day Appetizer: Serve in a warm ceramic dish with small side plates, perfect for sports gatherings or casual weekend snacking.
• Dinner Companion: Pair with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to transform these meatballs into a hearty main course that soaks up the delicious sweet and spicy sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches, topping salads or stuffing into warm hoagie rolls for a tasty next-day meal.

Sweet Spicy Meatballs Storage Tips

• – Refrigerate Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• – Freeze Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• – Reheat Warm refrigerated meatballs in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• – Preserve Quality Keep sauce-coated meatballs separate from plain ones to prevent soggy texture and maintain their original flavor when storing.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade meatballs work great and can add a more personal touch to the recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce you use. For milder flavor, choose a less spicy sauce or reduce the amount.

• Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through and coated with sauce.

• What type of hot sauce works best?

Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or Tabasco are excellent choices that provide great flavor and heat for this recipe.

Sweet Spicy Meatballs Taste Adventure

• Whip Up Quickly: These sweet and spicy meatballs come together with minimal prep, making them perfect for busy cooks who want maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of sweet honey and hot sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
• Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe transforms simple frozen meatballs into a mouthwatering dish with zero fuss, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Versatile Party Starter: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit that can be served as an appetizer or main course with minimal effort.

Honey Buffalo Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent honey buffalo meatballs bring zesty comfort to dinner tables with their perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Home cooks can easily craft these crowd-pleasing bites that promise quick satisfaction and delightful taste in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)

Sweeteners and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) honey
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Transfer frozen meatballs into a slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together hot sauce, honey, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth and thoroughly blended.
3. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the meatballs, gently tossing to ensure complete and uniform coating.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW temperature, cooking for 2.5-3 hours or on HIGH for 1 hour, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and promote even heat distribution.
5. Once meatballs are heated through and sauce has thickened, remove from slow cooker and transfer to a serving dish.
6. Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for added color and a hint of freshness before presenting to guests.

Notes

• Check meatball quality by choosing pre-cooked, uniform frozen meatballs for consistent texture and flavor absorption.
• Adjust spice levels by selecting mild or hot sauce based on personal heat tolerance, creating a customizable dish.
• Use honey alternatives like maple syrup or agave for different flavor profiles or dietary restrictions.
• Prevent sauce burning by stirring occasionally and ensuring even coating on meatballs during slow cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on Low) or 1 hour (on High)
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg