Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Landscape photo of crockpot bbq meatballs.

5 from 4 votes

Yield: 12 Servings

This juicy crockpot BBQ meatballs recipe is an easy game-day appetizer made with frozen meatballs slow cooked in a flavorful, homemade barbecue sauce.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Ingredients

2 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
2 lbs frozen meatballs

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Instructions

In the bowl of your crockpot, whisk to combine all the ingredients except the meatballs. Add the meatballs and stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or low for 4 to 5 hours, until the meatballs are warmed through and the sauce is nice and bubbly.

Notes

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheat: Microwave in 15-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a pan over medium-high heat with the lid on for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Or toss them back into the slow cooker on high for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Freezer: Transfer the sauce and meatballs to a freezer-friendly container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them as usual.

Homemade Meatballs: If you’ve got a family recipe for meatballs, use it! Avoid highly seasoned recipes that could make the mixture overwhelming. Make sure to cook the meatballs before adding to the slow cooker.

Spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili oil to taste for some heat.

Tanginess: Omit the honey and add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar for a tangier bbq sauce.

Use Store-Bought: If you’re in a rush, use store-bought, plain bbq sauce. I like sweet baby rays. Still add the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and liquid smoke. Only add honey and brown sugar if you want to make it sweeter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 43kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.03g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 217mg, Potassium: 32mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 51IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 0.2mg