Slow Cooker Hot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Slow Cooker Hot Honey Garlic Meatballs


These slow cooker honey garlic meatballs are a classic crowd-pleaser with a little extra kick. Made with tender, fully cooked meatballs and a sweet-savory garlic sauce featuring Honey House Hot Honey, this recipe delivers bold flavor with barely any prep. Just stir, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work — perfect for parties, game day, or an easy weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s incredibly easy — just mix, dump, and let the slow cooker handle the rest

  • Honey House Hot Honey adds a subtle heat that elevates the classic honey garlic flavor

  • Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family

  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients

  • Can be served as an appetizer or a main dish

  • The sauce is sticky, garlicky, and totally crave-worthy

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup Honey House Hot Honey

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 28 oz fully cooked frozen meatballs

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

  • Medium mixing bowl

  • Spoon or whisk

  • Measuring cups and spoons

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fully Cooked Meatballs: This recipe is designed for frozen, pre-cooked meatballs to keep things easy.

  2. Don’t Skip the Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature depth.

  3. Stir Gently: Toss the meatballs carefully to keep them intact while coating evenly.

  4. Low and Slow: Cooking on LOW allows the sauce to thicken naturally and soak into the meatballs.

  5. Serve Warm: These are best enjoyed straight from the slow cooker while the sauce is glossy and hot.

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the Honey House Hot Honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.

  2. Add the frozen meatballs to the bowl and gently stir until evenly coated in the sauce.

  3. Transfer everything to a slow cooker.

  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.

  5. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

  • Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through

  • These meatballs freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating

Recipe Notes

The combination of hot honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic creates a balanced sauce that’s sweet, savory, and rich without being overpowering. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.

Using Honey House Hot Honey — 100% pure, raw, American-sourced honey infused with chili peppers — adds a gentle warmth that enhances the garlic and sweetness without overwhelming the dish. It’s an easy way to give a familiar recipe a bold, modern twist while highlighting high-quality ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with:

  • Steamed white or jasmine rice

  • Creamy mashed potatoes

  • Buttered egg noodles

  • Slider buns for easy sandwiches

  • A crisp green salad for balance

Variation Ideas

While the classic honey garlic version is divine, feel free to get creative with these alternative options:

Honey House Recommendations

  • Use Honey House Hot Honey and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat

  • Swap half the Hot Honey with Honey House Clover Honey for a milder sweetness

  • Drizzle a little extra Hot Honey over the meatballs just before serving for shine and spice

Other Great Options

  • Add a splash of rice vinegar for tang

  • Stir in a spoonful of sriracha or chili paste

  • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions

  • Serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter option

  • Turn them into party sliders with soft rolls


Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 3–4 hours

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

  • Course: Appetizer or Main

  • Cuisine: American

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Difficulty Level: Easy