Home Recipes Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer Recipe!

Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer Recipe!

by Jennah

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These Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs are a mouthwatering appetizer that your guests will love. The combination of juicy ground beef meatballs and a sticky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce makes this recipe a surefire hit. Whether you’re hosting a party, potluck, or just looking for a fun and delicious snack, these meatballs are a must-try.

These meatballs are a staple in my household, especially during football season. My husband is a huge football fan and loves to have his buddies over to watch the games. These meatballs have become his go-to appetizer for game day, and I have to say, they never disappoint. Every time he serves them, his friends can’t stop raving about how delicious they are. They’re always the first thing to disappear from the buffet table!

Why This Recipe is a Winner:

  • Made with lean ground beef, making them a healthier option.
  • The BBQ sauce is homemade, ensuring a delicious and unique flavor.
  • Slow-cooking the meatballs with the sauce makes them extra tender and juicy.
  • Easy to make in advance and keep warm in the slow cooker for a stress-free party.
  • The perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave your guests craving for more.

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

  • 500 grams lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion or shallot
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for more flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional for more flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

  • 240 grams barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika (smoked or regular both work)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or less to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix well.
  2. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 teaspoon each).
  3. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add some oil. Cook the meatballs until browned on the outside and entirely cooked through. OR bake the meatballs at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.
  4. In a 3-4 quart slow cooker, mix all the sauce ingredients together. Add the meatballs and stir to coat them in the sauce.
  5. Cook the meatballs on low for 3-4 hours, until the sauce is thick and sticky.
  6. Serve hot as an appetizer or a main dish, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes:

  • To make the recipe even easier, you can use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making your own.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce.
  • You can also make the meatballs in advance and freeze them for later use. Just thaw them before cooking with the sauce.

Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer Recipe!

These Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs are a mouthwatering appetizer that your guests will love. The combination of juicy ground beef meatballs and a sticky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce makes this recipe a surefire hit
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 137 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meatballs:

  • 500 grams lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion or shallot
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley optional for more flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder optional for more flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

  • 240 grams barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika smoked or regular both work
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or less to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix well.
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 teaspoon each).
  • Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add some oil. Cook the meatballs until browned on the outside and entirely cooked through. OR bake the meatballs at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.
  • In a 3-4 quart slow cooker, mix all the sauce ingredients together. Add the meatballs and stir to coat them in the sauce.
  • Cook the meatballs on low for 3-4 hours, until the sauce is thick and sticky.
  • Serve hot as an appetizer or a main dish, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

To make the recipe even easier, you can use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making your own.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce.
You can also make the meatballs in advance and freeze them for later use. Just thaw them before cooking with the sauce.

Love it? Share it!