These Crockpot Meatballs with BBQ Sauce are super simple and oh-so-tasty! Just throw in the meatballs and let the magic happen while they soak up all that sweet, smoky goodness.
Perfect for parties or a cozy dinner at home, these meatballs are a hit! I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking—who can resist grabbing a few? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use beef, turkey, or a mix of both. I love using frozen meatballs for convenience. If you’re making them from scratch, remember they should be about the size of a golf ball for even cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or whip up some homemade. If you want less sugar, go for a low-sugar version. You can also experiment with different flavors, like spicy or hickory-smoked.
Brown Sugar: This is optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness. If you want to skip it, honey or maple syrup can work as alternatives, giving a slight twist to the flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth to the sauce, but you can use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option if needed.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Meatballs?
To get meatballs that are juicy and evenly coated in sauce, it’s important to layer them carefully in the crockpot. Make sure to use enough sauce to cover them, but avoid overpacking, as they need room to heat evenly.
- For frozen meatballs, no need to thaw; just add them straight to the crockpot.
- Stir the meatballs gently every hour (if cooking on low) to redistribute the sauce.
- Check doneness after the cooking time—meatballs are ready when they reach 165°F (74°C).
How to Make Crockpot Meatballs With BBQ Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 2 lbs frozen or fresh meatballs (beef, turkey, or a blend)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus cooking time in the crockpot. If you’re cooking on low, plan for 4-6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, 2-3 hours on high. That means you can set it and forget it, then enjoy the delicious smell wafting through your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
If you’re using fresh meatballs, go ahead and make them according to your favorite recipe. If not, just grab some pre-made meatballs, either fresh or frozen. No need to thaw if you’re using frozen!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, water (or beef broth), brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until well mixed and set aside.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Place the meatballs into the crockpot. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated. You want every meatball to soak up that delicious sauce!
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir the meatballs occasionally, if you can, to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce and to help them cook thoroughly.
5. Serve Up the Goodness:
Once they’re done cooking, ladle the meatballs and sauce into a serving dish. Don’t forget to garnish them with fresh parsley for a lovely touch!
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the meatballs warm, either as a tasty appetizer with toothpicks or alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy this dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs can be added directly to the crockpot without thawing. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they heat through completely.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory twist or homemade sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and spices if you have those on hand. Just adjust the sweetness to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just place them back in the crockpot on low for a bit or warm them in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! Add a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce mixture for an extra kick. You can adjust the heat level to suit your preference!