These Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs are the perfect appetizer for any party, and also make a super easy weeknight dinner! Serve them with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Two words that are pure magic: honey bourbon.
The incredible sweetness of honey perfectly complements the deep, smoky notes of bourbon. This flavor combination is the inspiration behind this delicious Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs recipe.
We’ve been making these meatballs for years, serving them at parties and enjoying them for family dinners. This recipe was initially published in January 2015. We’ve recently updated it with new photos and even more helpful information to ensure you can easily create this amazing dish!
Why These Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs Are a Must-Try
Beyond the incredibly delicious sweet and smoky taste, here are several reasons why this meatball recipe is a true winner:
- Effortless to Make: We simplify this recipe by using store-bought frozen meatballs. This cuts down on prep time without sacrificing any of the fantastic flavor.
- Quick Prep, Minimal Cook Time: You only need about 5 minutes to prepare the flavorful honey bourbon sauce. Then, let the slow cooker work its magic!
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These meatballs are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, and potlucks. This recipe yields approximately 40 delicious meatballs.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: You can prepare these bourbon meatballs up to a day in advance! Simply warm them in your slow cooker on the Low setting before your guests arrive. To keep them warm throughout the party, switch the slow cooker to the Buffet setting.
- Freezer-Friendly for Future Meals: Leftovers are a treasure! Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months and incorporate them into future dishes. They’re amazing with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, couscous, polenta, served over a bed of fresh salad greens, or tossed with your favorite pasta!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible slow cooker meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Two 20-ounce packages of frozen meatballs (approximately 40 meatballs total)
- Ketchup
- Honey
- Bourbon (Use your favorite brand!)
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ketchup, honey, bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, salt and pepper.
2. Place the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker.
3. Pour the prepared honey bourbon sauce evenly over the meatballs. Stir gently to ensure all the meatballs are nicely coated.
4. Cook the meatballs on high heat for one hour. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and that the meatballs are thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce.
5. After the first hour, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours.
Complete measurements and detailed instructions are provided below in the printable recipe card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Bourbon Meatballs
- How long can I store these meatballs in the freezer?
- These meatballs will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months when stored in an airtight container.
- Can I prepare this recipe in a smaller slow cooker?
- Yes, you can! If you are using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to increase the cooking time. Be sure to stir the meatballs regularly to ensure they all have the opportunity to soak up the wonderful honey bourbon sauce.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Slow Cooker – To ensure the meatballs cook properly within the times specified in this recipe, a fairly large slow cooker is needed. We recommend a 6-quart slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker meatballs are a versatile dish, perfect for serving as a delightful dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
For a complete and satisfying dinner, serve the meatballs over creamy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes or alongside fluffy Instant Pot Garlic Rice. Add a side of fresh vegetables to round out the meal such as Grilled Asparagus in Foil, Roasted Garlic Rosemary Carrots, Air Fryer Broccoli, or Mushrooms Marsala.
When serving as appetizers, simply insert a toothpick into each meatball for easy grabbing.
Have leftovers? Transform them into delicious meatball subs for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
More Irresistible Meatball Recipes
- Meatballs with Romesco Sauce
- Cranberry Meatballs Recipe
- Slow Cooker Meatball Soup Recipe
- Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs with Pasta (Dairy-Free)
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs Recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs
Pin
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 40 frozen meatballs (about 2 20-ounce packages)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup bourbon, use less if you prefer!
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ketchup, honey, bourbon, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
- Place frozen meatballs in your slow cooker.
- Pour sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs. Stir to coat the meatballs as evenly as possible.
- Cook on high for one hour.
- Check on the meatballs and stir them occasionally, to evenly coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- After one hour, turn down the temperature to low and cook on low for 2 hours.
Notes
Party ready: If your slow cooker has a Buffet setting as mine does, you can keep it on this setting throughout your party to keep the meatballs warm.
Storage: allow the meatballs to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to two months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published January 9, 2015. It has since been updated with new photos and helpful new content, and republished on August 29, 2022