These 3-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are super simple and oh-so-tasty! Just mix meatballs with your favorite BBQ sauce and let them slow cook until they’re nice and saucy.
Perfect for game day or family dinners! I love making these when I want something quick and delicious. Honestly, who can resist meatballs smothered in BBQ goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Meatballs: Using frozen fully cooked meatballs saves time. However, if you want to make your own, try using ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and allow you to control the flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: The sauce is crucial for flavor. I like a smoky BBQ sauce, but sweet or tangy varieties also work great. If you’re avoiding store-bought sauces, you can make your own by mixing ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices.
French Onion Soup: This adds depth and flavor to your dish. You can use any cream soup if onions aren’t your thing, like cream of mushroom. For a healthier option, consider a homemade onion soup mix with broth and sautéed onions.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Juicy?
Cooking meatballs in the crockpot is all about giving them time to soak in the flavors. Here are some tips to keep them juicy:
- Start with frozen meatballs; they retain moisture better.
- Avoid overcooking. Stick to the recommended times: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
- Stir the meatballs gently so they don’t break apart.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking—this keeps the steam inside!
3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 32 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1 bottle (about 18 oz) barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed French onion soup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and cooks for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Just mix the sauce and meatballs, then let the crockpot do its magic while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen fully cooked meatballs into the crockpot. Don’t worry about thawing them first—they’ll cook perfectly from frozen!
2. Mix Your Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and condensed French onion soup. Stir it nicely until everything is well-blended. This will create a deliciously flavorful coating for your meatballs.
3. Combine and Cook:
Now it’s time to pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot. Gently stir them to ensure each meatball gets coated in that yummy sauce. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 4-6 hours; if on high, 2-3 hours will do.
4. Ready to Serve:
If you can, give the meatballs a gentle stir once or twice during cooking. This helps keep them evenly coated. When they’re heated through and the sauce is bubbly, they are ready to serve! Enjoy them warm as a tasty appetizer or alongside some sides for a satisfying meal.
These meatballs are a hit at parties—so easy and packed with flavor! Enjoy making them!
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade meatballs, just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for convenience.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor of the BBQ Sauce?
If you want to customize the flavor, try adding your favorite spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of hot sauce for heat. Mixing in a bit of brown sugar can also enhance the sweetness if you like a sweeter BBQ sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, just be sure to choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce and check that the French onion soup is gluten-free too. There’s also the option of making your own version of French onion soup to ensure it meets gluten-free dietary needs.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw and reheat gently before serving again!
