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BBQ meatballs cooked in a slow cooker with glossy sauce
Isaac blogger

Easiest Crockpot BBQ Meatballs (5 Ingredients)

Tender frozen meatballs slow-cooked in a thick, sweet-and-smoky barbecue sauce. A simple, no-fuss crockpot recipe that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 7 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (24-oz) package frozen meatballs
  • 2 cups tomato ketchup
  • 1½ cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke (alcohol-free) or soy sauce
  • ½ cup minced onion

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your slow cooker and ingredients as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Add ketchup, brown sugar, and liquid smoke (or soy sauce) to the slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
  4. Add the minced onion and frozen meatballs. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
  5. Cook on HIGH for about 2 hours until meatballs are heated through, hot and bubbling, and reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the sauce.
  7. Switch the slow cooker to WARM if holding for serving.

Notes

  • Ensure meatballs are heated until steaming hot throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe serving.
  • Keep slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent heat and proper doneness.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store in an airtight container up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on low heat or in short microwave intervals until hot throughout before serving.
  • Discard if odor, texture, or appearance changes.