Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for parties or an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (85% lean)
• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (50 g)
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Eggs: 2 large
• Onion: ¼ cup (40 g) finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced
• Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: ½ tsp
• Barbecue sauce: 1 ½ cups (360 ml) (store-bought or homemade)
• Ketchup: ¼ cup (60 ml)
• Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
• Brown sugar: 2 tbsp (30 g)
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
• Smoked paprika: ½ tsp

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 2:

Shape mixture into 1 ½-inch (4 cm) meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3:

Optional: For firmer meatballs, broil or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, whisk together all BBQ sauce ingredients.

Step 5:

Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour BBQ sauce over the top and gently toss to coat.

Step 6:

Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 7:

Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice, mashed potatoes, or buns as a main dish.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different ground meat for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives without compromising texture or flavor.

→ Is it necessary to broil the meatballs before slow cooking?

Broiling is optional; it firms up the meatballs and adds light browning but slow cooking alone will produce tender results.

→ How can I add a spicy kick to the sauce?

Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the barbecue sauce mixture for a subtle heat boost.

→ What side dishes pair well with these meatballs?

Coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or buns complement the smoky flavors nicely.

→ Are there common allergens in the ingredients?

The meatballs contain eggs, dairy, and wheat. The sauce may contain soy and gluten, so check labels if allergies are a concern.