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Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs

Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that minimizes effort and maximizes flavor? Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs are the answer, offering a sweet, savory, and incredibly easy appetizer or main course that practically makes itself. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or any gathering where delicious, fuss-free food is a must.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Hours on Low 2 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 is recommended for flavor
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian seasoned
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 18 ounce bottle your favorite BBQ sauce this is key!
  • 1/4 cup grape jelly or apricot preserves for a slightly different twist
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar for extra sweetness (optional, adjust to your liking)
Optional garnishes
  • chopped fresh parsley
  • sesame seeds
  • sliced green onions

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large Bowl
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated.
    1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  2. Roll the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should aim for about 20-24 meatballs depending on size. It's helpful to moisten your hands slightly with water or oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
  3. Place the formed meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker insert. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, you can cook them in batches or use a larger slow cooker.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly (or preserves), Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, stir in the brown sugar at this point.
    1 18 ounce bottle your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup grape jelly, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar
  5. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Ensure all meatballs are coated as much as possible.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
  7. Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions for an extra touch of flair.
    chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Notes

Allow to cool completely before storing. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on stovetop, microwave, or slow cooker.
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