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Easy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

easy crockpot bbq meatballs - featured image

A comforting and flavorful slow-cooked BBQ meatballs recipe that’s perfect for busy days, parties, or cozy dinners. Tender meatballs simmer in a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 ½-inch meatballs, about 20 total. Place on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder if using.
  4. Spray the crockpot with non-stick spray or lightly grease it. Place half the meatballs inside, pour half the sauce over them, then repeat with remaining meatballs and sauce.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is thickened.
  6. If sauce is too thin, remove lid and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense meatballs. Wet hands slightly when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking. Avoid crowding meatballs in the crockpot for even cooking. Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness or tanginess with hot sauce or cayenne if desired. Cooking low and slow yields best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, party snack