BBQ Meatballs

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are tangy, spicy, and a little smoky. This easy appetizer comes together quickly, slow cooks in a yummy sauce, and is a crowd pleaser that will disappear just as fast!

BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

BBQ Meatballs are the answer to any get together when it’s too hot to cook. Bust out the crock pot and slow cook party meatballs during the day, add a salad, and serve with rice as a main dish.

Using a smoky, semi-homemade BBQ sauce and frozen meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever had a party without these!

How often do you use your crockpot, slow cooker, or instant pot? I love to use my crockpot at least once or twice a week! It’s easy to use and doesn’t heat up the house like the oven does.

Plus it makes juicy meatballs. I pull it out every time I am making party appetizers and this is great recipe for your next get together.

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Ingredients Needed

Ketchup – If you ran out of ketchup, reach for tomato paste or vinegar to replace that essential acidic flavor.

A.1. Steakhouse sauce – A.1. is my favorite brand of steakhouse sauce, but there are the generic brands carried by grocery stores that make great substitutes.

Liquid Smoke – Substitute the Liquid smoke with Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika.

Molasses – No molasses? No problem! You can sub out for dark corn syrup, honey, or even maple syrup.

Steak Seasoning – Make homemade Steak seasoning for better flavor. Alternatively, you can pick up a packet at the store.

Meatballs – The meatballs you use here can vary from ground turkey, ground pork, or ground beef. You could use homemade meatballs, frozen meatballs, or even the classic Italian meatballs. It’s your choice!

Kitchen Staples – water, black pepper, salt.

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How to Make the Best BBQ Meatballs

First: Make the barbecue sauce by mixing together the water, ketchup, liquid smoke, molasses, and steak seasoning.

Second: Place meatballs in the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat evenly.

Third: Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for up to 5 hours. Enjoy warm.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Can you add frozen meatballs to a crockpot?

Yes you can! Just be sure that the meatballs have been cooked previously. You don’t have to thaw the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker.

How long can you cook meatballs in a crockpot?

The most I would cook these is 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low. After that, the sauce will start to over thicken.

Looking for other crockpot appetizers to take to a party you’ve been invited to? How about a quick appetizer you can make ahead of time for a get-together that you are hosting and are already stressed to the max? Check out these recipes to fit your special occasion!

Can I make homemade meatballs?

I have a great recipe for homemade meatballs using lean ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese all mixed together in a large bowl.

Scoop the meatball mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake until cooked through. Freeze the baked meatballs until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

• Steakhouse Tater Tots
• Summer Snack Board
• Dried Beef Cheese Ball
• Crunchy Coleslaw

The only limit is your imagination when it comes to cocktail meatball recipes. Check out this list!

1. Grape Jelly Chili Sauce Meatballs
2. Teriyaki Meatballs
3. Sweet & Sour Meatballs
4. BBQ Little Smokies
5. Firecracker Meatballs

To see the rest of the list of 40+ Best Meatball Appetizers check out this post.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• You can use my steak seasoning which pairs well with these sauce but if you want more bbq flavor try my BBQ seasoning!
• Switch out the beef for ground chicken or ground turkey meatballs. This recipe works with any type of meatball.
• Use your favorite bbq sauce and add in some brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
• Make sure you give them a stir every hour to make sure the meatballs get evenly heated and let the sauce get all warm and yummy.
• Be sure to cook until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165F.
• Use a crockpot liner for easier clean up!
• Store any leftover meatballs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven
• Cooking time will vary based on high or low cooking temperatures. Keep them warm when serving.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This slow cooker bbq meatballs recipe is a classic party appetizer that is perfect for any get together. Add this to your game day menu and you will be host with the most.

{Originally Published 9/11/2018 – photos and recipe notes updated 09/11/2022}

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