Savory Slow Cooker Bourbon Glazed Meatballs
These savory slow cooker bourbon glazed meatballs with brown sugar are easy to prepare, perfect for parties, and deliver a sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor that everyone loves.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 meatballs (about 4-5 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (thick, smoky brand like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly without overworking.
- Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, about 20-24 total. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Optional: Brown the meatballs in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes if using.
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker, pour glaze evenly over them, and gently stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until meatballs are tender and flavors meld.
- About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir meatballs to coat evenly. If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to thicken.
Notes
Browning the meatballs before slow cooking adds extra texture and flavor but can be skipped for convenience. If the sauce is too sweet, add more vinegar or a pinch of cayenne. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep meatballs tender. Slow cooking allows flavors to deepen and meat to stay juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, bourbon glazed meatballs, party appetizers, easy meatball recipe, bourbon glaze, brown sugar meatballs