Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs: A Simple and Flavorful Appetizer
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings, these Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs are a fantastic choice. Created by @stay_snatched, this recipe combines juicy, tender meatballs with a homemade BBQ rub and a tangy, smoky sauce. Prepared effortlessly in a Crockpot, these meatballs are packed with flavor and require minimal hands-on time. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to be a hit at any event.
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs: A Simple and Flavorful Appetizer
8
servings10
minutes3
hours210
kcalIngredients
1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 egg
Homemade BBQ Seasoning:
2 teaspoons brown sugar or sweetener
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Sauce:
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, egg, and half of the homemade BBQ seasoning (brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Reserve the remaining half of the seasoning for the BBQ sauce.
- Using clean hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Form the mixture into one large ball, then shape it into individual meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each in size.
- Spray the bottom of your Crockpot Slow Cooker with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the formed meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cook the meatballs on HIGH for 2 hours (or on LOW for 4 hours).
- While the meatballs cook, prepare the BBQ sauce by combining 1 cup BBQ sauce, the remaining half of the homemade BBQ seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- After the initial cooking time, carefully open the slow cooker (do not stir the meatballs, as they may fall apart). Drain any excess fat from the slow cooker, then pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the meatballs without stirring.
- Continue cooking on HIGH for an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes (or 3 hours on LOW).
- Once cooking is complete, open the slow cooker and gently stir the meatballs to coat them evenly in the sauce. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F to confirm they are fully cooked.
- Allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing at gatherings, or pair them with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a green salad for a more substantial meal. The smoky, tangy sauce makes them versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes, from classic barbecue sides to simple dinner rolls for mini sliders.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs recipe is a game-changer for busy hosts and home cooks alike. The homemade BBQ rub adds a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, while the slow cooker ensures tender, juicy meatballs with minimal effort. The addition of liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce in the BBQ sauce elevates the dish with a rich, authentic barbecue taste. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do the work while you focus on other tasks.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or preparing a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress with their bold flavors and tender texture. Try this easy, delicious recipe for your next gathering and enjoy a dish that’s as effortless as it is flavorful!
