BBQ Meatballs Crockpot Easy Dinner Idea
If you’re looking for an effortless yet delicious meal, these BBQ meatballs cooked in a crockpot are the answer! This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also yields tender, flavorful meatballs that are perfect for dinner or entertaining. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you!
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
Total Time:
4 hours 15 minutes (or 2 hours 15 minutes)
Servings:
6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the crockpot, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and sweet chili sauce. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Once done, serve the BBQ meatballs warm, either on their own, over rice, or in a sub for a delicious sandwich!
Why Use a Crockpot for BBQ Meatballs?
Crockpots are perfect for busy families or those who prefer to have a hands-off cooking approach. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy meatballs. You can prepare them in the morning and let them cook throughout the day, making it a convenient option for evenings when you’re short on time.
Variations You Can Try
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste! Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy BBQ Meatballs: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a kick.
- Meatball Subs: Serve your meatballs in toasted hoagie rolls topped with cheese for a filling meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef and pork with plant-based alternatives or use lentils and beans for a veggie-friendly version.
Tips for the Best BBQ Meatballs
- Make sure not to over-mix the meat mixture; this can lead to tough meatballs.
- For added flavor, let the meatballs chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a food scoop to make evenly sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ meatballs can be served in numerous ways:
- Over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- As an appetizer with toothpicks for parties.
- In a wrap or sandwich with fresh veggies and cheese.
- With a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These BBQ meatballs are not only easy to make but are also a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a party, or even a game day gathering, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the convenience of your crockpot and the delightful flavors in every bite!
