Crockpot Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs

Savor Crockpot Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs, juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a tangy, smoky, sweet-heat BBQ sauce until perfectly glazed. This crowd-pleasing slow-cooker appetizer or main dish is ready with minimal effort and delivers bold flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it party food or easy weeknight dinner. The meatballs stay incredibly tender and juicy while the homemade sauce clings to every bite with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and spicy. No standing over a stove—just mix, shape, and let the slow cooker work its magic. They’re a guaranteed hit at game days, holidays, potlucks, or family dinners, and the leftovers are even better the next day. This recipe is budget-friendly, scalable, and endlessly customizable.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use a cookie scoop → Makes perfectly uniform meatballs fast.
• Don’t overmix → Keeps meatballs tender; mix just until combined.
• Brown first (optional) → Adds flavor and color, but not required.
• Sauce thickens as it cools → Perfect for coating.
• Double sauce → Everyone wants extra for dipping.
• Broil at end → 3–5 minutes for caramelized, sticky finish.

Yield: 10 Servings

Crockpot Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs

Print

Sweet, spicy, tender BBQ meatballs made effortlessly in the crockpot.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Mix Meatballs → Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Form Meatballs → Use a cookie scoop or hands to roll into 1-inch balls.
3. Brown (optional) → Brown meatballs in skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Layer Crockpot → Place meatballs in slow cooker.
5. Make Sauce → Whisk BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and smoked paprika.
6. Pour Sauce → Cover meatballs completely with sauce.
7. Slow Cook → Low 4 hours or high 2 hours until tender.
8. Stir Halfway → Gently stir at halfway point for even coating.
9. Thicken Sauce → Optional: simmer sauce on stovetop 10 minutes to reduce.
10. Serve with Flair → Transfer to serving dish, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and enjoy!

Notes

• Browning is optional but adds amazing flavor.
• Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
• Leftovers are perfect in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice.
• Serve with toothpicks for easy party eating.

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 486Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 119mgSodium 1033mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 2gSugar 31gProtein 29g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

• Ground Beef → 80/20 for juiciness; turkey or pork works too.
• Panko Breadcrumbs → Keeps meatballs light and tender.
• Egg → Binds everything together.
• BBQ Sauce → Homemade or store-bought; low-sugar for healthier.
• Brown Sugar → Balances tang; use monk fruit for low-carb.
• Apple Cider Vinegar → Adds brightness and tenderizes.
• Hot Sauce → Adjust to your heat preference.
• Spices → Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy → Add more hot sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
• Sweet → Extra brown sugar or honey.
• Low-Carb → Use almond flour instead of panko and sugar-free BBQ.
• Turkey or Chicken → Leaner option; add extra oil.
• Gluten-Free → GF panko and tamari instead of Worcestershire.
• Cocktail Meatballs → Use smaller scoop for party bites.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator → Airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezer → Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce up to 3 months.
• Reheating → Warm in microwave or crockpot with splash of sauce.

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Until you can read, Crockpot Smoky BBQ Beef Brisket