These tasty crockpot meatballs are soaked in a sticky BBQ sauce that’s hard to resist. They’re juicy, full of flavor, and perfect for any gathering!
Your friends and family will be reaching for seconds, guaranteed! I love serving them with toothpicks for easy snacking. It’s a fun and mess-free way to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Meatballs: I use frozen meatballs for convenience, but you can make your own from scratch if you prefer. Just mix ground beef or a beef-pork blend with breadcrumbs and seasonings. You can also opt for turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste. Sweet, smoky, or spicy options can all work well. If you’re out of BBQ sauce, homemade versions using ketchup, vinegar, and spices can also be delicious!
Grape Jelly/Cranberry Sauce: This adds a unique sweetness and tang. Don’t have either? Try using honey or maple syrup instead, just adjust the quantity to your liking. Alternatively, leave it out for a more classic BBQ flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth to the flavor. If you can’t find it, soy sauce can work as a substitute. Just remember it’ll be saltier, so reduce other salt in the recipe if needed.
How Do I Get the Sauce to Stick Perfectly to the Meatballs?
The key to ensuring your sauce sticks well to the meatballs is in how you mix it. Make sure to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce mixture before cooking. Here are a few steps to enhance this process:
- Thaw the meatballs slightly before mixing for better sauce adherence.
- A good stir of the BBQ sauce and other ingredients ensures an even coating.
- Opt for high-quality BBQ sauce, as it sticks better and enriches the flavor.
- Giving the meatballs a gentle stir during cooking allows for the sauce to cling as it thickens.
Following these tips will make your meatballs not just tasty, but perfectly glazed! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Crockpot Meatballs With BBQ Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (choose your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly or cranberry sauce (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the crockpot. So, while you get the ingredients ready, you can kick back and let the crockpot do all the hard work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Try to arrange them in an even layer so that they cook evenly. No need to thaw them beforehand, straight from the freezer is perfect!
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a separate medium bowl, combine your BBQ sauce, grape jelly or cranberry sauce (if you’re using it), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Combine and Coat:
Carefully pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the meatballs. Give them a gentle stir to ensure that all the meatballs are well coated with that tasty sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be heated through, and the sauce will become thick and bubbly.
5. Stir and Serve:
If you can, give the meatballs a stir occasionally during cooking to keep the sauce evenly coated. When they are done cooking, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the meatballs warm. They make a great appetizer when skewered with toothpicks, or you can enjoy them as a main dish along with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.
Enjoy these juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in rich BBQ sauce—perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh homemade meatballs! If using fresh meatballs, reduce the cooking time to about 2 to 3 hours on low or 1 to 2 hours on high, or until they are cooked through. Make sure they are browned before adding the sauce for the best flavor.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, you can mix in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes into the BBQ sauce mixture before pouring it over the meatballs. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or gently on the stove until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep them moist!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce mixture ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just combine them in the crockpot and cook when you’re ready, adding an additional 30 minutes if they were chilled.
