These Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are a tasty treat that everyone loves! Juicy meatballs simmer in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, making them perfect for parties or a cozy dinner.
They’re super easy to make. Just throw everything in the Crockpot and let it do the work! I like to serve them with toothpicks for a fun snack, so no one has to be fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives great flavor and texture to meatballs. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works just as well. I like using turkey for a healthier twist, but it can be slightly drier, so adjust the breadcrumbs if needed!
Breadcrumbs: I use regular breadcrumbs, but feel free to swap them with panko for a crunchier texture. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re accommodating gluten-free diets. I’ve even blended oats for a unique twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan enhances the taste of meatballs. If you don’t have any, try using Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. I find a bit of cheese adds a nice complexity to the flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best results! You can also try homemade BBQ sauce or a sugar-free option if you’re watching your sugar intake. I personally love a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Browned Meatballs?
Browning the meatballs isn’t just for looks; it adds a rich flavor to the meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Use just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, turning them to brown all sides evenly. You’ll want a nice golden color.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I recommend it for that extra depth of flavor! Just be gentle when transferring to the crockpot to keep the meatballs intact.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and form the meatballs, plus another 4-6 hours for cooking in the crockpot on low (or 2-3 hours on high). So, overall, set aside about 4-6 hours including cooking time. Perfect for a relaxed meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together well until it’s nicely combined and sticky.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to form the meatballs! Using your hands, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet. This should make about 20-24 meatballs depending on size.
3. Brown the Meatballs (Optional):
If you’d like an extra layer of flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. In batches, place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. This step is optional, but it really enhances the flavor!
4. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Once you’ve browned the meatballs, transfer them carefully to your crockpot. It’s okay if some of them touch; they’ll be cooking together anyway!
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Pour your favorite BBQ sauce evenly over the meatballs. Give it a gentle shake or stir to ensure all the meatballs are well coated in that delicious sauce. Yum!
6. Set the Crockpot:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Just be sure they are cooked through and heated thoroughly!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cooking time is up, your BBQ meatballs are ready! If you’d like, you can garnish them with some freshly chopped parsley before serving. These meatballs make a tasty appetizer or can be served over rice for a hearty meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute, making the meatballs leaner while still delicious. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey can have different moisture levels than beef, but the method remains the same.
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Yes, using your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce makes this recipe super easy! Feel free to try different flavors, from sweet to spicy, to customize the taste of your meatballs.
What Can I Serve with BBQ Meatballs?
These meatballs are fantastic by themselves, but they pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even in a sub sandwich. You can also serve them with veggies or a side salad for a well-rounded meal!
