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Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce. Made with lean ground beef and cooked to perfection before slow cooking in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, ideal for parties or family dinners.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound 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)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

BBQ Sauce

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

Instructions

  1. Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, mustard, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer with dough hook attachments or mix thoroughly by hand to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, using about 1 teaspoon of meat mixture per meatball to create bite-sized pieces. Ensure the meatballs are firmly shaped so they hold together during cooking.
  2. Cook Meatballs: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a crust and are cooked through. Alternatively, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
  3. Prepare and Slow Cook with Sauce: In a 3-4 quart slow cooker, mix together the barbecue sauce, ground paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and salt until well combined. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours to allow the meatballs to absorb the smoky, sticky flavors of the BBQ sauce. Once done, the slow cooker can be switched to the warm setting to keep the meatballs hot for an additional 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • You can use either lean ground beef or ground turkey as a substitute for a leaner option.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
  • The meatballs can be browned ahead of time and refrigerated before slow cooking to save time on the day of serving.
  • If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
  • Serving suggestion: These meatballs pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or as a party appetizer with toothpicks.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/sticky-bbq-slow-cooker-meatballs-recipe/