These Crockpot Meatballs in BBQ sauce are a fun and tasty dish. They’re super easy to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Everyone loves the sweet and tangy sauce that makes the meatballs so yummy. I enjoy serving them at parties, and they disappear fast. Who can resist a hearty meatball? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Cooked Meatballs: I like using beef meatballs for their rich flavor. However, turkey or pork work wonderfully too! If you want a meat-free option, consider using plant-based meatballs found in stores.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for a quick option, but homemade is so good! You can mix ketchup and a touch of vinegar and honey for a simple DIY BBQ sauce. Try different flavors, like spicy or honey BBQ!
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice sweetness to the sauce. If you’re cutting sugar, coconut sugar is a decent substitute. For a lower-carb option, you could use a sugar alternative like stevia, just adjust to taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, you can opt for soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami kick!
How to Ensure Evenly Cooked Meatballs and Sauce?
To get the best results, it’s important to stir the meatballs occasionally while they cook. This helps them soak up the sauce perfectly. Make sure to set your slow cooker to the right temperature—low or high based on the time you have available.
- Before cooking, coat the meatballs with sauce to get them started.
- Stir gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure even coverage.
- If your sauce looks too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
These tips will help you achieve a delicious dish, perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home!
Crockpot Meatballs With BBQ Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 lbs frozen cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
For the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to cook it in the crockpot. You can choose to cook it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are ready when they’re hot and the sauce is bubbly. Perfect for setting it and forgetting it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
2. Add the Meatballs:
Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. It’s okay if they’re sticking together a bit—just break them apart gently as you add them.
3. Coat with Sauce:
Pour the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir the meatballs, ensuring they’re all coated in that delicious sauce.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. If you’re cooking on low heat, let it cook for 4-6 hours, or if you need them ready faster, set it to high heat and let it cook for 2-3 hours.
5. Stir Occasionally:
If you can, give the meatballs a gentle stir every hour or so. This helps them cook evenly and absorb more flavor from the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly, it’s time to serve! Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pretty touch. These meatballs can be served warm as appetizers with toothpicks or as a hearty main dish alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or on slider buns.
This recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for parties or family dinners! Enjoy your tasty creation! 🎉
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, just make sure they are cooked and fully cooled before adding them to the crockpot. You can follow the same cooking times, as it will heat them through while they soak up the sauce!
What’s a Good Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can mix ketchup with a bit of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and some spices like paprika or chili powder for a quick substitute. Adjust the ingredients to achieve your preferred flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors will actually get better as they sit!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the sauce. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for extra kick!