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The Easiest Crockpot BBQ Meatballs: Your 5-Ingredient Party Secret!
Are you looking for a delicious appetizer that practically makes itself? Then you’ve found your new go-to! These Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are the answer. With only 5 ingredients and a mere 7 minutes of prep time, these simple slow cooker meatballs are perfect for any gathering and are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. This effortless recipe is packed with flavor, making it the ideal solution for when you need a crowd-pleasing dish without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Meatball Recipe
Traditional party appetizers can be a lot of work. This BBQ meatball recipe simplifies everything. You get amazing flavor with minimal fuss.
- Time-Saving: Just 7 minutes of prep means less time in the kitchen.
- Easy Cleanup: It all cooks in one crockpot, so cleanup is a breeze!
- Deliciously Flavorful: The sweet and smoky sauce creates an unforgettable taste.
- Versatile: Perfect as a party appetizer or a quick family dinner.
- Effortless Cooking: Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Meatballs
Making these tasty homemade BBQ meatballs starts with just a few items. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already.
Here’s what you need for this easy Italian-American appetizer:
- Tomato Ketchup: This provides a subtle sweetness and classic base.
- Liquid Smoke: Adds that deep, smoky BBQ flavor. (You can also use soy sauce for a less smoky touch.)
- Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar makes the BBQ sauce truly pop.
- Minced Onion: Freshly minced onion adds aromatic depth.
- Meatballs: Use a package of pre-made frozen meatballs for ultimate convenience and speed! Or, if you prefer, try making your own turkey meatballs from scratch.
How to Make BBQ Meatballs in Your Slow Cooker
Crafting these delicious BBQ meatballs is super straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect party snack or easy meal:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In the bowl of your slow cooker, whisk together the tomato ketchup, liquid smoke (or soy sauce if using), and brown sugar. Mix until they are fully combined.
- Add Meatballs and Onions: Stir in the minced fresh onion and your chosen meatballs. Make sure they’re all evenly coated in the rich, sweet, and smoky sauce.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set the heat to HIGH. Let the barbecue meatballs cook for 2 hours. They should be hot and bubbly when ready.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting. Serve your hot and bubbly BBQ meatballs right away.
Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Meatballs
- Serving Suggestions: These slow cooker meatballs are fantastic on their own with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They also pair wonderfully with Rosemary Fries, Vegetarian Nachos, or Pigs in a Blanket.
- Stir Occasionally: If leaving the crockpot on warm for a party, give the meatballs an occasional stir. This helps prevent them from sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Homemade vs. Frozen: While frozen meatballs offer ultimate convenience, you can certainly use your own homemade meatballs for an extra personal touch.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Have leftover BBQ meatballs? No problem! They store well for future enjoyment.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, in the microwave, or back in the slow cooker on a warm setting until hot and bubbly throughout.
FAQ: Your Top Questions About BBQ Meatballs Answered
Q: How long do these meatballs last in the fridge?
A: You can store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze BBQ meatballs?
A: Yes! You can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Q: Can I use ground turkey meatballs instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Turkey meatballs work great and can be a delicious leaner option.
Q: What if I don’t have liquid smoke?
A: You can substitute soy sauce for a less smoky flavor, or simply omit it for a more classic sweet BBQ taste.
Q: Are these meatballs good for meal prep?
A: Yes, their easy storage makes them fantastic for meal prep throughout the week!
Crockpot BBQ Meatballs Recipe
These Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are the easiest ever, perfect for parties or a quick weeknight dinner! With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep, everyone will love these tender, flavorful meatballs.
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | TOTAL TIME | YIELD | SERVING SIZE | COURSE | CUISINE |
| 7 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 7 minutes | 8 servings | 1 serving | Appetizer | American |
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Mixing spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons liquid smoke (or soy sauce for less smoky flavor)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup onion, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) package pre-made frozen meatballs
Instructions
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, whisk together the ketchup, liquid smoke (or soy sauce), and brown sugar until well combined.
- Stir in the minced onions and the frozen meatballs until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set the heat to HIGH.
- Cook for 2 hours, or until the meatballs are hot and bubbly throughout.
- Set the slow cooker to WARM and serve hot with toothpicks, or over rice for a simple meal.
Notes
- For a slightly spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If using homemade meatballs instead of frozen, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce for simmering.
- Great over rice, mashed potatoes, or nestled in small slider buns for BBQ meatball sandwiches.
