Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s as easy as it is mouthwatering, Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are the answer. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs swimming in rich, tangy BBQ sauce, simmering all day to become the ultimate comfort food. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just toss everything into the crockpot, let it cook, and before you know it, you’ve got a dish that’s ready to impress. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next party or as a main course for dinner, these meatballs are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Here’s why:

Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does all the work for you, so you don’t have to stand over the stove. Just set it, and let it do its thing.

Tender & Juicy Meatballs: Cooking them low and slow ensures that the meatballs come out perfectly tender, bursting with flavor, and just the right amount of juicy.

Flavorful BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy, soaking into every meatball and giving them that irresistible flavor.

Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, toss them on sliders, or pair them with mashed potatoes or rice for a satisfying meal. You can also use them for a fun weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just a cozy family gathering, these meatballs are guaranteed to be the star of the show.

Ingredients in Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Here’s what you’ll need to make these BBQ meatballs:

Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey)

The base of the meatballs. You can use ground beef for a more classic flavor or ground turkey for a lighter option.

Breadcrumbs

These help hold the meatballs together and give them a soft texture.

Egg

To bind everything together and help the meatballs keep their shape while cooking.

Parmesan Cheese

A little Parmesan adds extra flavor and richness to the meatballs.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

For seasoning the meatballs and adding depth of flavor.

Salt & Pepper

Essential for balancing out the flavors and bringing the seasonings to life.

BBQ Sauce

The star of the dish! Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy—whatever you like best will work here.

Optional: Worcestershire Sauce

For a little added umami depth, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can make the BBQ sauce even richer.

Instructions

Let’s get these meatballs cooking!

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs might turn out tough.

Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into bite-sized meatballs—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 20–25 meatballs, depending on size.

Place Meatballs in Crockpot

Place the meatballs in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. If you need to stack them, that’s okay—just make sure there’s enough room for the sauce to get around them.

Add BBQ Sauce

Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered. You can add a little extra sauce if you prefer more flavor or sauce to soak up with sides.

Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The longer they cook, the more the flavors will meld together, so feel free to let them go for the full 6 hours.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are cooked through and tender, serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies, or enjoy them as is with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [To be added]
Calories per serving: [To be added]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low
Total Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes to 6 hours and 10 minutes

How to Serve Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

These meatballs are so versatile! Here are a few fun and delicious ways to serve them:

As an Appetizer: Serve them with toothpicks at your next party or gathering. They’re perfect for snacking and dipping.

On Sliders: Pile a few meatballs on small buns for the ultimate slider. Top with a slice of cheese or a dollop of coleslaw for extra flavor.

With Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Make a meal out of these meatballs by serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of fluffy rice to soak up the extra BBQ sauce.

With Veggies: Pair these meatballs with some roasted or steamed veggies to balance out the richness and add a pop of color to your plate.

Over Pasta: Spoon the BBQ meatballs over a bed of pasta for a hearty and comforting dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese would be the perfect finishing touch!

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prep the meatballs in advance, freeze them, and cook them in the crockpot whenever you’re ready. Just add the BBQ sauce when you’re ready to cook.

Spicy Kick: If you like your BBQ sauce with a little heat, try adding a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce before cooking.

Double the Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s easy to double the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to accommodate the extra meatballs.

Leftovers: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
A1: Yes, you can! If you’re using frozen meatballs, just add them straight to the crockpot and pour the BBQ sauce over them. Cook on low for 3–4 hours until heated through.

Q2: Can I make these with ground turkey instead of beef?
A2: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be a little leaner, so you may want to add a little extra moisture like a splash of milk or a bit more sauce to keep the meatballs tender.

Q3: Can I cook these on high instead of low?
A3: Yes, you can cook them on high for 2–3 hours, but low and slow cooking yields the best texture and flavor.

Q4: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for 1–2 days before cooking, or freeze them for later use. When you’re ready, just add the BBQ sauce and cook in the crockpot.

Q5: Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
A5: Of course! Homemade BBQ sauce will make these even more special. Just be sure to add enough sauce to cover the meatballs for that perfect BBQ flavor.

Conclusion

These Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are a total game-changer. They’re super easy to make, packed with flavor, and the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun appetizer for a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your crockpot, get those meatballs cooking, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal!

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