Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs Recipe
These slow cooker BBQ meatballs feature a perfect brown sugar glaze that balances sweet and tangy flavors, delivering tender, juicy meatballs ideal for potlucks, game days, or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker low) or 1.5 to 2 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (plant-based milk optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (15g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs, about 20 meatballs total.
- Optional: Brown the meatballs in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the meatballs in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours until meatballs are tender and cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).
- If sauce is too thin after cooking, remove lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Notes
Browning meatballs before slow cooking seals in juices and adds flavor but is optional. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. If sauce is thin after cooking, reduce on high uncovered. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For vegetarian, use plant-based meatballs and follow the same glaze method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 meatballs pe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ meatballs, brown sugar glaze, easy recipe, comfort food, potluck, game day