Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Our Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are one of those amazing recipes that can do double duty. They’re incredibly quick and easy to prepare, make perfect party food, and can also easily be turned into a full dinner. Simply add mashed potatoes and carrots, and you’ve got yourself a delicious weekday dinner.
This recipe is made by combining homemade or store-bought meatballs with barbecue sauce in a slow cooker until tender.
Our BBQ Crockpot Meatballs recipe is a go-to, easy, and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a party, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.
BBQ Crockpot Meatballs Recipe Highlights
- Only 20 minutes of prep time!
- Grab a few toothpicks and turn this recipe into perfect finger food at your next potluck.
- Prep earlier in the day and just let the slow cooker do the work.
- Easily swap ingredients to adjust to your taste and/or dietary needs.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
GROUND BEEF – This is the main ingredient for your meatballs, adding both flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can replace it with ground turkey, pork, chicken, or even pre-made meatballs for this crockpot BBQ meatballs recipe.
BREADCRUMBS AND EGG – These ingredients help keep your meatballs together and add moisture. If you need an alternative, try using crushed crackers, oats, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed gluten-free crackers.
SEASONING – This combination of garlic and onion powder enhances the flavor and aroma of your BBQ Crockpot Neatballs. If you like, use fresh minced garlic and grated onion instead. For a bit of spice, add some cayenne pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
BARBECUE SAUCE – I chose Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce because I love its classic sweet and tangy taste. But feel free to use your preferred type of BBQ sauce, whether it’s spicy, contains chili, or even if you’ve made it yourself.
Variations
ADDITIONS – Consider adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, cranberry sauce, grape jelly, or pineapple chunks to the crockpot. You can also garnish the meatballs with shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
SUBSTITUTIONS – Swap Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce with your preferred barbecue sauce flavor, such as honey or spicy barbecue. For a lighter option, use turkey meatballs or chicken instead of beef or pork.
How To Make Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 375º Fahrenheit for up to 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Mix barbecue sauce with remaining garlic powder and onion powder.
- Place meatballs in a slow cooker and cover with the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 hours on high (5-7 hours on low).
Planning and Leftovers
REFRIGERATION – Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FREEZING – Freeze cooled or raw meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
REHEATING – To reheat, place the cooked crockpot BBQ meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat them in 30-second intervals until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions
CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD – This refreshing side pairs crisp cucumbers with a creamy dressing, providing a cool contrast to the warm, savory meatballs.
TWICE BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE – This hearty side dish pairs well with the barbecue flavor and turns this recipe into a delicious main course.
GREEN BEANS – Sautéed green beans add a touch of freshness and a bit of crunch, balancing the meal’s heavier elements.
CHEESY MASHED POTATOES – These are smooth, rich, and loaded with cheese, making them a luxurious base that meshes wonderfully with the meatballs’ texture and taste.
Each of these sides enhances the BBQ Meatballs, whether you’re serving them as a main dish or an appetizer, bringing varied textures and flavors to your meal.
Recipe Success Tips
- Use lean ground meat to prevent excess grease in the slow cooker.
- Form the meatballs well by combining all the ingredients to prevent them from falling apart during the cooking process.
- Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze the leftover BBQ meatballs for future meals or appetizers for your next party.
- Stir the meatballs carefully occasionally while cooking in the slow cooker to ensure an even coating with the barbecue sauce.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s settings and the size of the meatballs to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Homemade meatballs usually take a little less time to cook through, so please start checking them after about 1.5 hours on high or 3 hours on low.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! This is a popular option for Crockpot Barbecued Meatballs because it makes the recipe even easier to make. Toss them in the crockpot with your sauce and cook them according to the recipe directions. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of the frozen meatballs.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot?
No browning is required for this recipe! The crockpot will cook the meatballs all the way through. Browning can be done if you prefer a deeper flavor, but it’s not necessary.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can still enjoy this recipe by baking the meatballs in the oven and then simmering them in barbecue sauce on the stovetop.
How can I make a large batch of meatballs for a party?
To make a large batch of meatballs, simply double or triple the recipe ingredients as needed. You can also make them ahead of time and keep them warm in the crockpot in the warm setting until you’re ready to serve.
BBQ Crockpot Meatball
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef lean, I recommend 90/10 or leaner
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces Sweet Baby Rays Original Barbecue Sauce or barbecue sauce of choice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided (½ meatball mixture, ½ sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder divided (½ meatball mixture, ½ sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter, and place them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake your meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to the slow cooker insert.
- Combine the BBQ sauce, remaining garlic powder, and onion powder In a small bowl. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook them on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5-7 hours.
Equipment
Notes
Slow Cooker Times
I recommend cooking the ribs on the low heat setting in your slow cooker. Cooking them low and slow makes them more flavorful and tender. On Low: 5 to 7 hoursOn High: 2 to 3 hours
Food Safety
Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit.Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.