These Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and super tender. Just mix up the ingredients, toss the meatballs in the slow cooker, and let them do their thing!
Every time I make these, I feel like a kitchen superstar. The best part? They disappear quickly at parties! Who can resist a sticky, barbecue-coated meatball? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use just ground beef or mix it with ground pork for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken work well too. They may produce a slightly different texture but are still delicious!
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but you can replace them with Panko for a lighter texture. If gluten-free is needed, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs are good alternatives that won’t sacrifice flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re out, use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that adds a cheesy flavor.
Fresh Parsley: This is mainly for freshness. If you don’t have parsley, you could add chopped fresh basil or even cilantro for a different flavor twist.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience! For a homemade version, mix ketchup with brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. You can also opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce if cutting back on sugar.
How Do You Mix Meatballs Without Overworking Them?
Mixing meatballs may seem simple, but it’s important not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs instead of tender ones. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a fork or your hands to gently combine ingredients. Stop mixing as soon as everything is just incorporated.
- Avoid squishing the meat too much; treat it gently instead.
- Wet your hands lightly when forming the meatballs to keep the mixture from sticking.
Perfectly mixed meatballs will stay tender and juicy while cooking!
How to Make Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then you let your slow cooker do all the work! You can cook them on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. So, plan about 6 to 7 hours total, including cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or your meat mix), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together really well until all the ingredients are nicely blended.
2. Form the Meatballs:
With clean hands, take a scoop of the meat mixture and form it into round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a tray or plate – this helps to keep them neat until you add them to the slow cooker.
3. Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In your slow cooker, pour in the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a gentle stir to mix them together. This tasty sauce will add a lot of flavor to your meatballs!
4. Add the Meatballs:
Carefully add the meatballs to the slow cooker, making sure to coat them with the sauce. You can use a spoon to help if needed. It’s okay if they’re piled on top of each other; they’ll still cook beautifully!
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fully cooked through and super juicy!
6. Finish and Serve:
After cooking, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to make sure they are evenly coated. If you like, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a delightful garnish. Serve warm, either as a tasty appetizer or over rice for a satisfying main dish. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier than beef or pork, so consider adding a little extra BBQ sauce to keep the meatballs moist, or add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture before forming the meatballs.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can substitute with crushed crackers, oats, or even ground flaxseed. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds to help bind the meatballs while adding a nice flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Adjust the Seasoning to Make It Spicier?
Yes, if you enjoy some heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste – you can always add more to reach your desired spice level!
