These crockpot BBQ meatballs are homemade beef meatballs coated in barbecue sauce and simmered in the slow cooker. A quick and easy appetizer or main course offering that always gets rave reviews!
When I need a hearty appetizer to serve a hungry crowd, I turn to options such as sausage stuffed mushrooms, onion rings, garlic parmesan wings and these savory BBQ meatballs.
To me, meatballs are the ultimate party food! They can be flavored in so many different ways, and are easy to put together. These BBQ meatballs cook in the crockpot, which makes then the perfect make ahead snack for gatherings.
Table of Contents
BBQ Meatballs Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, fresh garlic, salt, black pepper, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce.
How Do You Make BBQ Meatballs?
Start by mixing together ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, fresh garlic, salt and pepper. Roll the meat mixture into meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven. Transfer the meatballs to a crockpot. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Cook on low heat for 3 hours, then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- You can use your favorite store bought barbecue sauce for this recipe, or make your own homemade BBQ sauce. Either way works great!
- I recommend cooking the meatballs for at least 3 hours, but you can cook them for longer if needed. You can also cook on low for 3 hours, then keep the crockpot on the warm setting so that the meatballs stay hot throughout the whole party.
- The sauce for this recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- You can serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks so everyone can help themselves, or use cocktail forks for a more elegant presentation.
- It’s important to broil the meatballs before they go into the slow cooker. If you skip this step they may all stick together as they cook.
- Feel free to add some garnishes such as chives or parsley.
- These BBQ meatballs also make a great dinner when paired with cream cheese mashed potatoes, fried corn and cucumber dill salad.
Quick Tip
You can use 2 pounds of frozen meatballs instead of making your own meatballs if you’re looking to save some time. The frozen meatballs do not need to be thawed before you place them in the slow cooker.
Recipe FAQs
BBQ meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs and seasonings. The meatballs are browned in the broiler, then simmered in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce mixture.
I do not recommend using raw meatballs in the sauce. The meatballs will be more likely to stick together and lose their shape if they’re placed raw in the crockpot.
You can serve your meatballs as an appetizer or a meal. If you’re using the meatballs as an appetizer, I recommend choosing some other different offerings to go alongside the meatballs such as a veggie tray with dill dip or homemade cheese ball. For a meal, try serving some dill potato salad or grilled corn on the cob as side dishes!
FOLLOW ME
BBQ Meatballs Flavor Variations
While this recipe is great as-is, you can also change up the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Sweetener: Instead of brown sugar, try maple syrup or honey.
- Spice: For BBQ meatballs with a little kick, try adding a tablespoon or two of buffalo wing sauce, hot sauce or sriracha. Alternatively you can add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Protein: You can make the meatballs with other types of ground meat, such as chicken, pork or turkey. You also can use little smokies instead of meatballs.
I love that this recipe is easy, hearty and pleases the palates of both kids and adults. It is a must try for your next party!
More Great Meatball Recipes
Teriyaki Meatballs
25 mins
Cheesy Meatball Bake
35 mins
Sweet and Sour Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
3 hrs 20 mins
Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker)
3 hrs 5 mins
Slow Cooker Meatballs (Italian Style)
4 hrs 25 mins
Love This Recipe?
Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.
Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons onion finely minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- cooking spray
For the sauce
- 2 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
For the meatballs
- Preheat the oven broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat the foil with cooking spray.
- Place the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into 1 inch meatballs and place the meatballs in a single layer on the sheet pan.
- Broil for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
For the sauce
- Place the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and onion powder in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Coat a 4 quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the meatballs, then pour the sauce over the top. Toss gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook for 3 hours on low, then serve.
Notes
- I typically use 90% lean ground beef.
- If you don’t want to make your own meatballs, you can use 2 pounds of frozen meatballs instead. They do not need to be thawed first.
