Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. They’re made with juicy meatballs simmered in a rich barbecue sauce, making them super tasty!
These meatballs are not just easy to make, they’re also a hit at parties! Just throw everything in the Crock Pot, and let it work its magic while you relax. What could be easier?
I love serving them with toothpicks as a fun snack. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for more once you take that first bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen meatballs: You can use beef, pork, or turkey meatballs. If you want a healthier option, chicken meatballs work great too. You could even make homemade meatballs if you’re up for it; just keep in mind they might need extra time to cook compared to frozen ones!
BBQ sauce: Your favorite store-bought brand is great, but if you want to customize the flavor, homemade BBQ sauce can be super easy and tasty. You could also try a sweet and spicy sauce if you like a kick, or use a mustard-based BBQ sauce for something different.
Brown sugar: This sweetener adds richness to the sauce. You can swap it out for honey or maple syrup if you prefer. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like brown sugar.
Apple cider vinegar: It adds a nice tang. If you’re out of it, white vinegar or even lemon juice can work as a substitute, but adjust the amount as they are more potent.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Meatballs Stay Saucy?
The key to keeping your meatballs nicely coated in BBQ sauce is to stir them a couple of times during cooking. This ensures that every meatball gets that delicious glaze. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the frozen meatballs in the Crock Pot before adding the sauce.
- After pouring the sauce mixture over, give them a gentle stir to coat. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly covered; they’ll soak up the flavor as they cook.
- Every hour or so, lift the lid and give them another stir. This helps to evenly distribute the sauce and flavor.
Remember, keeping the lid closed while cooking will help maintain the heat, ensuring even cooking, so only lift it when you need to stir!
Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll let the meatballs cook in the Crock Pot for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So, total time depends on your choice of cooking speed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until everything is nicely blended. This will be the tasty glaze that makes your meatballs special!
2. Add Meatballs:
Take your frozen meatballs and place them in the Crock Pot. No need to thaw them first; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen!
3. Combine:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs. Gently stir them with a spoon to coat each meatball with the delicious sauce. Don’t worry if they’re not all perfectly covered; they will soak up the flavor as they cook.
4. Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot. For a leisurely meal, cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, set it to high and let it cook for 2-3 hours. You’ll know they are done when the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling!
5. Stir & Serve:
Give the meatballs a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to keep them saucy. When they’re ready, you can garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color. Serve them warm! They make a great appetizer with toothpicks or a hearty main dish when paired with rice or bread.
This recipe yields tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a sticky, tangy BBQ sauce that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or casual dinners. Enjoy!
Can I Use Homemade Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re making homemade meatballs, just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the Crock Pot. Adjust the cooking time, as they may only need 1-2 hours on low to soak up the sauce.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. Tasting the sauce mixture before adding it to the meatballs can help you find the right balance for your palate!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes, you can add a kick by incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce mixture. Adjust to your heat preference for a perfect spicy BBQ flavor!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if they seem dry.
