Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs are a fun and tasty dish! These juicy meatballs are cooked slowly in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, making them super flavorful and easy to enjoy.
These meatballs are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Just toss the meatballs and sauce in the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it! Who doesn’t love that? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use frozen meatballs for convenience or make your own for a fresh touch. Ground beef, pork, or turkey all work well. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using plant-based meat substitutes.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite bottled barbecue sauce for simplicity. I like making my own to control the sweetness. If you’re looking for something less sugary, a homemade blend with tomato sauce and spices works too.
Grape Jelly or Peach Preserves: These add a sweet twist to the sauce. Feel free to substitute with other fruit jams like apricot or even honey for a different flavor profile. Just keep the balance of sweetness in mind!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If unavailable, soy sauce is a good substitute, but reduce the amount slightly as it’s saltier.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your BBQ Meatballs?
To really enhance the flavors of your meatballs, don’t rush! If making homemade meatballs, browning them first in a skillet gives them a nice crust and extra flavor. This step adds complexity to your dish.
- Brown meatballs on medium heat for a few minutes on each side until golden.
- Mix your sauce ingredients well in the Crock Pot to ensure an even flavor distribution.
- Stir occasionally while cooking if possible, so the meatballs soak up the sauce.
Letting the meatballs cook low and slow helps all the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy the delicious results!
Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs frozen or homemade meatballs (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly or peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 4-6 hours to cook on low heat (or 2-3 hours on high). Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a fantastic meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
If you’re making homemade meatballs, start by browning them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re golden brown. If using frozen meatballs, you can skip this step—just put them into the Crock Pot straight from the freezer.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In your Crock Pot, combine the barbecue sauce, grape jelly (or peach preserves), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed well. This combo makes your meatballs extra tasty!
3. Add the Meatballs:
Now, gently add the meatballs to the sauce in the Crock Pot. Toss them lightly in the sauce until they’re all well-coated. It’s crucial for the meatballs to soak up all that barbecue flavor!
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If you can, give them a stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the sides.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once they’re done cooking, stir the meatballs again to coat them fully in the thickened sauce. They should be hot and bubbling and smell absolutely amazing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if you like a little extra color. They are perfect as appetizers, snacks for a party, or served over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal!
Enjoy your delicious, tender Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs with that perfect sweet-savory glaze!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh meatballs, simply prepare and brown them in a skillet before adding them to the Crock Pot. This will give them an extra layer of flavor and a nice texture.
How Long Can I Keep Leftovers?
Leftover BBQ meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat them gently in the microwave or back in the Crock Pot over low heat.
What Can I Use Instead of Grape Jelly?
If you don’t have grape jelly on hand, you can substitute it with peach preserves, apricot jam, or even honey. Just keep in mind that different substitutes may change the flavor slightly!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Sure! To add some heat, consider mixing in a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes with your barbecue sauce. Adjust to your preferred spice level, and you’ll have a tasty kick!
