Description
These Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food recipe. Made with a flavorful mix of ground beef and spices, then slow-cooked in a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce, these meatballs are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy family dinner. The slow cooking method ensures the meatballs are tender, juicy, and infused with rich BBQ flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a small scoop, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Place the meatballs in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and combined. This mixture gives the sauce a nice balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is coated. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are completely cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs using a slotted spoon and serve them hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if desired. These meatballs pair perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or even as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground beef and pork can enhance the flavor and texture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them to save time on cooking day.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the BBQ sauce by modifying the amount of honey and apple cider vinegar to your taste.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
