BBQ Meatballs

Quick and easy crockpot BBQ meatballs are made with only 3 ingredients, plus a few spices and seasonings to make them even tastier!

Why this recipe works

These BBQ meatballs, not to be confused with our popular grape jelly meatballs, are simple to their core. Frozen meatballs, barbecue sauce, a few spices and seasonings, plus a crockpot will make this party appetizer insanely easy. I’m talking 10-minute prep time easy.

I’ve found that some of the best appetizer meatballs are some of the simplest. There’s no need to make them from scratch, though a little extra lovin’ always goes a long way. But when you’re in a pinch for time, easily accessible ingredients make prepping party food a lot less of a drag. This recipe only calls for 3 ingredients, unless you’re counting the spices we used to doctor up our bottled barbecue sauce. Either way, I don’t think they can get easier than this.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

MEATBALLS – You’ll want frozen appetizer-size meatballs. Thawing the frozen meatballs is not necessary. Simply toss the frozen meatballs into the crockpot! Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe super quick to compile. You can of course make your own homemade meatballs if that’s what you prefer, or if you happen to have some sitting in the freezer already.

BARBECUE SAUCE – Doctor up your favorite bottled barbecue sauce the way we did, or if you have a favorite mix of seasonings you already use, go for it! If you prefer homemade barbecue sauce, try our Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce.

How to Make BBQ Meatballs

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce and all the seasonings.
2. Place frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
3. Add in seasoned barbecue sauce and stir to coat all meatballs.
4. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours. Check for doneness, add another 30 minutes if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, you can make them an hour or two ahead of time then keep them in the crockpot on the warm setting. You can keep them on the warm setting for 2-3 hours.

Absolutely. An easy way to make your BBQ meatballs spicy is to add some hot sauce or use a spicy barbecue sauce instead.

Sure, you can always make your own meatballs! I would suggest making them about 1/2 ounce each, so they stay appetizer-sized. For best results, give homemade meatballs a quick brown in a skillet before transferring them to the crockpot, but don’t cook them all the way through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your BBQ meatballs with toothpicks so guests can easily grab and go. I think they’re excellent for football parties, potlucks, family reunions, you name it. Sandwich leftovers between some buns and top with cheese to make BBQ meatball subs.

You can also eat your meatballs over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to make a meal out of it. Enjoy!

More Meatball Recipes

• Meatball Sliders
• Asian Meatballs
• Swedish Meatballs
• Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

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