Who doesn’t love meatballs? And when they’re slow-cooked in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce, they’re absolutely irresistible! This recipe is one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or potlucks. It’s easy to throw together, kid-approved, and the crockpot does all the hard work for you. Plus, your house will smell AMAZING while they’re cooking! Get ready for a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but so good!)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Crockpot/slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a Cookie Scoop: To make your meatballs all the same size, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon. It’s faster and keeps them uniform.
- Brown for Extra Flavor: While you can toss raw meatballs straight into the crockpot, quickly browning them in the oven adds extra flavor and helps them hold together.
- Customize the Sauce: Not a grape jelly fan? Swap it for honey, apricot jam, or even a splash of orange juice for a fun twist!
- Double It Up: These meatballs freeze like a dream. Make a double batch and save some for a quick meal later.
- Let Kids Help: Little hands love rolling meatballs! Just set up a “meatball rolling station” with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Crockpot/slow cooker
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works great instead of beef!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- No Grape Jelly? Substitute with honey, apricot preserves, or even a splash of maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
- Roll and bake the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them. Toss them in the crockpot with the sauce when you’re ready to cook.
- Sauce can also be mixed and stored in the fridge up to 2 days in advance.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs will be tough!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes to brown the outside (they don’t need to be fully cooked—they’ll finish in the crockpot).
Step 4: Combine the Sauce
In the crockpot, whisk together the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Add the browned meatballs, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce evenly coats all the meatballs.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and sticky, transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Let the meatballs cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Conclusion
These BBQ meatballs are a total lifesaver when you need something easy, delicious, and family-friendly. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish with mashed potatoes or as a party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. I can’t wait for you to try them! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below, and feel free to ask any questions. Happy cooking! 😊
