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Welcome to the delicious world of Smoky Honey BBQ Meatballs, a mouthwatering dish that perfectly marries smoky flavors with a delightful sweetness. These meatballs are not just a treat for your taste buds; they're incredibly versatile and can be served at gatherings, family dinners, or as a comforting option for a busy weeknight meal. The great news is that this recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal prep time, making it an ideal choice for those with hectic lifestyles. With the convenience of slow cooking, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you attend to other tasks.

Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Discover the mouthwatering delight of Smoky Honey BBQ Meatballs! This easy recipe brings together smoky flavors and a touch of sweetness, making it perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, and a homemade BBQ sauce, you can set it in your slow cooker and enjoy tender, flavorful meatballs with minimal effort. Serve them as appetizers or a hearty main dish for a satisfying meal your family will love. Embrace the joy of cooking with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter alternative)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned for extra flavor)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (flat-leaf preferred for its bold flavor)

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or use homemade for a personalized touch)

1/4 cup honey (for sweetness and a hint of complexity)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (to balance the flavors)

Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients gently until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the meatballs remain tender.

    Form the Meatballs: Scoop out approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up, resulting in about 20-24 meatballs.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is uniform and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust for seasoning if necessary—adding a touch more honey can enhance the sweetness if desired.

        Load the Slow Cooker: Place the prepared meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. Carefully pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.

          Slow Cook Them: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and tender; they should easily break apart when prodded with a fork.

            Serve: After cooking, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat them once more. Serve them hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and texture. These meatballs make for a delicious appetizer or can be served over rice or in buns as a hearty main dish.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 6-8 hours | 4-6 servings