Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Tender and juicy BBQ Meatballs made in the Crockpot. The ingredients are fresh and savory with just a hint of smoky sweetness that makes it stand-out.
Servings 15
Calories 147kcal
Cost $15/recipe
Equipment
- 2 Half size rimmed sheet pan
- parchment paper
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs almond flour can be substituted for low carb
- ⅓ cup milk nut milks work fine
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon Allspice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425° and line 2 rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. I like to use the bowl of a stand mixer and combine with the paddle attachment. If you don’t have one, your hands are your best tool for mixing the meat.
- Using a 1 tablespoon size cookie scoop, scoop the meat mixture, one scoop at a time, into your hands, roll it into the shape of a ball, place on the baking sheet.
- Continue until all the meatballs are made.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 160°.
- While the meatballs are baking, add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk to combine well.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the Crockpot, pour the sauce on top, and gently stir so the meatballs are coated in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 2 hours.
Make Ahead Instructions
- Follow the instructions through cooking the meatballs (step 5). Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with wax paper or clean parchment paper (not the one you cooked on). Put the trays in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until the meatballs are frozen. Then transfer the meatballs in a zip lock type freezer bag, and freeze for up to 6 months.
- To use in this recipe, simply put the meatballs in the crockpot, make and add the sauce, and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or low for 4-6 hours.
Notes
- GENTLY mix the meat mixture. Overworking the meat directly impacts the texture of the meatballs. For tender meatballs, mix the ingredients just until everything is combined.
- These meatballs are a great all-around version and could be mixed with any type of sauce.
- This recipe starts with homemade meatballs that you’ll bake in the oven first. Store-bought frozen meatballs OR sauce can be substituted.
- See "make-ahead instructions" to save time on cooking day.
- Makes about 45 1-tablespoon sized meatballs. This will serve about 15 people as an appetizer or 6 people as a main meal.
- The sauce makes 1 ½ cups.
- Cost and nutrition information is an estimate.
Nutrition
Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 416mg | Potassium: 415mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 329IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg