Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Are you looking for a tantalizing appetizer or a mouthwatering main course that will impress your guests? Look no further than these irresistible honey buffalo meatballs! Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner at home to a lively party with friends. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe and discover how to make these savory treats that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Ingredients for Honey Buffalo Meatballs:
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| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 2.25 lbs |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Saltine crackers | 1 cup (about 22 crackers) |
| Onion (minced) | 1/3 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (or preferred buffalo sauce) | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Apricot preserves (or substitute with tangerine or orange) | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/3 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Butter | 1/2 tbsp |
How to Prepare Honey Buffalo Meatballs:
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- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set it aside.
- Mix Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the lean ground beef, crumbled saltine crackers, minced onion, milk, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape Meatballs: Take the meatball mixture and shape it into meatballs of your preferred size. Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 8 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Prepare Honey Buffalo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the irresistible honey buffalo sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and butter. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Slow Cooker Assembly: Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a slow cooker. Arrange a layer of meatballs at the base of the slow cooker, then pour a generous amount of the prepared honey buffalo sauce over them.
- Cooking: Cover the meatballs with the remaining honey buffalo sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for approximately 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. After 1 hour of cooking, give the meatballs and sauce a gentle stir to ensure they are evenly coated and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning if desired by adding more spicy sauce for an extra kick.
