Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs – Easy Sweet & Savory Perfection

Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs are the kind of comfort food magic that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar with almost no effort. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy game night, a casual get-together, or a family dinner where you’d rather spend time chatting than cooking, this recipe hits all the right notes.

The sweet, tangy, and slightly boozy sauce hugs each meatball in a warm, sticky glaze that screams “seconds, please!” With the slow cooker honey bourbon meatballs recipe, you can toss everything in, walk away, and come back to perfectly tender meatballs that smell like heaven itself. The best part? They’re made with simple pantry staples and take just 10 minutes to prep. So yes, your slow cooker just became your best friend.

Table of Contents

What is Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs?

Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs are a savory-sweet dream come true. Imagine juicy frozen meatballs simmering in a luscious mix of honey, brown sugar, ketchup, and bourbon — slow-cooked until each one is perfectly coated and bursting with flavor. The honey brings that familiar sweetness, the bourbon adds depth (without being overpowering), and the ketchup ties everything together with a tangy kick.

It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly foolproof. Whether served straight from the slow cooker at parties or spooned over fluffy rice for dinner, these meatballs are the definition of “set it and forget it” cooking. And if you love simple, crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipes, you’ll also enjoy our Crockpot Healthy White Chicken Chili — another comforting favorite that warms you from the inside out.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs

Let’s be honest — we all need more “effortless but impressive” recipes in our back pocket, and slow cooker honey bourbon meatballs fit that bill perfectly. First, they’re incredibly versatile — serve them as an appetizer, a party snack, or the main course. Second, they use frozen meatballs, meaning zero rolling or shaping required (a win for busy moms everywhere).

Third, the flavor combo is irresistible: smoky bourbon, rich brown sugar, and golden honey make for a sauce so good you’ll want to drink it. Lastly, this recipe gives you more time to actually enjoy your event — no babysitting required. Just pop the lid, let your slow cooker do its thing, and get ready for compliments. And if you’re into quick and tasty crowd-pleasers, try these Easy Honey Garlic Sheet Pan Sausage next — another weeknight lifesaver.

Ingredients Needed to Make Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs

• 40 frozen meatballs (about two 20-ounce packages)
• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup bourbon (use ¼ cup for a milder flavor)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs – Step by Step

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the ketchup, honey, bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything’s smooth and glossy. This step is where the magic begins — that sauce will transform those plain meatballs into something spectacular. Don’t be afraid to taste-test a little; it should be sweet, tangy, and just slightly smoky from the bourbon. If you prefer a stronger kick, add a splash more bourbon.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Now, pour your frozen meatballs straight into the slow cooker. No need to thaw — seriously, don’t make more work for yourself. These will cook beautifully from frozen. Spread them out evenly so the sauce can coat each one.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir and coat them. The goal here is to make sure every meatball gets a nice glossy layer of that sweet bourbon mixture.

Step 4: Start Cooking

Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the meatballs cook for one hour. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing — that’s your cue to start getting excited. Stir occasionally so the sauce thickens evenly and clings to each piece.

Step 5: Turn Down the Heat

After one hour, switch your slow cooker to LOW and cook for two more hours. This is where the flavor deepens, and the sauce gets thicker and stickier. By the time it’s done, the meatballs will be tender, juicy, and coated in that irresistible bourbon glaze.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, switch your slow cooker to the “Buffet” or “Keep Warm” setting if you’re serving these at a party. They’ll stay warm and ready to serve all evening. For dinner, spoon them over rice or mashed potatoes, or serve with toothpicks as bite-sized appetizers. Either way, they’ll disappear fast!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs

These slow cooker honey bourbon meatballs go great with fluffy white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even buttery egg noodles. For a party spread, try pairing them with a creamy dip or crisp veggie platter. They also make a perfect partner for a fresh salad — our Spring Roll Salad with Spicy Ginger Dressing is a refreshing complement. And if you’re planning a cozy meal night, serve them with roasted veggies or cheesy baked orzo for a complete comfort-food experience.

Key Tips for Making Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs

1. Use good-quality frozen meatballs for the best texture.
2. For a stronger bourbon flavor, use ½ cup; for something milder, stick to ¼ cup.
3. Stir halfway through to make sure all meatballs get an even coat of sauce.
4. If the sauce feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
5. Want to make it non-alcoholic? Swap bourbon for apple juice or broth.
6. Serve straight from the slow cooker to keep them warm during gatherings.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs

Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm them in a saucepan over medium heat or in the slow cooker on low. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating. Pro tip: add a splash of water or bourbon while reheating to revive that glossy sauce.

FAQs

Can I make these without bourbon?
Absolutely — substitute with apple cider or broth. You’ll still get that rich sweetness.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes! Just brown them first so they don’t fall apart in the sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
For sure! Just use a larger slow cooker and extend the cooking time by 30 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Mix the sauce and store it separately until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs are one of those dishes that look like you spent hours in the kitchen but really took just minutes to prep. They’re sweet, tangy, and a little indulgent — perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests without stress. The combination of honey, bourbon, and brown sugar creates a glaze that’s downright addictive. If you love easy recipes that taste like a million bucks, bookmark this one and add it to your weekly rotation. And while you’re at it, check out Easy Cream Cheese Chicken — another simple and delicious dinner idea that your family will love.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print