This crock pot buffalo meatballs recipe is the ultimate easy appetizer! Made with frozen meatballs and a tangy sauce perfect for parties.
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If you’re looking for an easy appetizer that takes almost no effort, these crock pot buffalo meatballs are it!
They’re made with frozen meatballs, a simple buffalo sauce, and a few extra ingredients that give them that perfect lightly spicy flavor.
This recipe is one of those easy recipes you can toss together, turn on the slow cooker, and pretty much forget about until it’s time to eat. Those are my favorite kinds of recipes!
I’m showing them served in a fun football-shaped tray for an easy game-day appetizer. You can pick up one of these trays at your local dollar store or party store.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Buffalo Meatballs
There are so many reasons to love this recipe for meatballs in a crock pot, especially when you’re feeding a crowd.
- They start with frozen meatballs, so there’s no need to make meatballs from scratch.
- The slow cooker does all the work.
- They’re great for parties, game day, holidays, or an easy weeknight dinner.
- You can use turkey meatballs, beef meatballs, chicken meatballs or your favorite variety.
- The buffalo sauce has just the right combination of spicy and tangy.
- They’re easy to keep warm in the crockpot while you’re entertaining.
And if you’re following a keto lifestyle, this can easily be made into keto buffalo meatballs by choosing frozen meatballs and sauce that fit your carb needs.
Just be sure to check the labels since ingredients and nutritional information can vary by brand.
Crock Pot Meatballs with Frozen Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple recipe. There is also a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Frozen Meatballs – or use your favorite homemade meatball recipe.
- Buffalo Sauce
- Ranch Packet
- Celery
- Carrots
- Ranch Dressing
For serving, I like to add blue cheese crumbles and serve the meatballs with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping.
I’ve made these with turkey meatballs, and they’re delicious!
How to Make Buffalo Meatballs in the Crockpot
Making these slow cooker buffalo meatballs couldn’t be easier.
Add the Frozen Meatballs
Place the frozen meatballs directly into your crockpot. No need to thaw them first. That’s one of the reasons I love this recipe so much!
Add the Buffalo Sauce
Sprinkle in the ranch packet.
Pour in the buffalo sauce.
You can also add honey if you like. The honey adds a little sweetness that balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
If you like your meatballs extra spicy, you can always add your favorite hot sauce.
Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours or on HIGH for about 1½–2 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
Give them a stir once or twice while they cook if you happen to be nearby, but honestly, they’re pretty hands-off.
Serve with carrots, celery & ranch dressing for dunking.
You may want to double this recipe because these little bites of goodness will go quickly!
Crock Pot Buffalo Meatballs Video
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How to Serve Crock Pot Buffalo Meatballs
Once the meatballs are hot and coated in that delicious buffalo sauce, transfer them to a serving dish or keep them warm right in the crockpot.
Sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles over the top and serve with blue cheese dressing or ranch on the side.
They make a fantastic appetizer for a football party, holiday gathering, potluck, or pretty much any occasion where you need an easy snack.
You can also serve them as a meal over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping things keto-friendly.
Can I Use Turkey Meatballs?
Absolutely! Turkey meatballs work really well in this recipe. They’re a great option if you prefer a lighter meatball or just happen to have a bag in your freezer.
The best part is that you can use whatever frozen meatballs you already have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and make sure they’re heated through before serving.
Can I Make These Keto?
Yes, with a few simple swaps. Choose frozen meatballs that are low in carbohydrates and use a buffalo sauce without added sugar. You’ll also want to skip any honey with a keto-friendly sweetener.
Blue cheese is naturally low in carbs, making it a great topping for keto buffalo meatballs.
As always, check the labels on your specific ingredients if you’re following a strict keto diet.
Easy Party Food Everyone Will Love
I love recipes like these because they look like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
These Crock Pot Buffalo Meatballs are spicy, tangy, and totally delicious. Whether you call them crockpot buffalo meatballs or slow cooker buffalo meatballs, they’re definitely one of those easy recipes worth keeping in your recipe box.
And if you’re planning a party, I highly recommend making a double batch. They tend to disappear pretty quickly!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Here are even more quick and easy recipes:
- 21 Easy Leftover Chicken Recipes
- Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Take Out at Home
- Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
- Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Pasta Recipe
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork Recipe
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Tomatoes Pasta Salad
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