Crockpot BBQ Beer Meatballs
These crockpot BBQ beer meatballs are absolutely delicious and make the perfect easy appetizer or a quick family dinner!
Oh my gosh you guys!!! You are going to love this recipe! And so are your friends and family!
This crockpot BBQ beer meatballs recipe is an oldie, but a goodie. It is also a staple at my house whenever we have a potluck or gathering.
We also love this garlic parmesan meatball recipe and these air fryer turkey meatballs.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
You should have most of the ingredients needed for these crockpot BBQ meatballs in your kitchen and pantry already. I like to keep a bag or two of precooked, frozen meatballs in my freezer so that whenever I am asked to bring a dish to a party, I can whip this one up in no time.
I have a large 7-quart slow cooker, but this will totally fit in a 4-quart pot as well.
Be sure to check out these Crockpot Freezer Meals and Meal Planning Recipes for more tips and ideas.
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Beer Meatballs
It’s so easy to throw this recipe together that it is sure to become one of your go-to family favorites as well!
Ingredients
- Cooked meatballs – We like the ones from Costco; they’re super tender and packed with protein, making dinner a breeze.
- Medium onions, diced – tThese add a nice sweet and savory touch to balance out the rich BBQ sauce
- Beer (any beer works) – It’s the secret ingredient that gives the sauce that deep, rich flavor.
- Ketchup – A classic ingredient that adds a sweet and tangy base to your BBQ sauce.
- Brown sugar – A bit of sugar balances out the acidity in the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar – It brings just the right amount of tartness to cut through the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup.
- Granulated garlic – This simple ingredient adds a warm, savory kick without being overpowering.
- Salt – A little salt helps to enhance all the other flavors.
- Black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a mild heat.
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients into the crockpot and mix well.
Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. That’s it!
I like to finish these off by skewering them, brushing with extra BBQ sauce, and broiling them on low for 5-10 minutes in the oven. This is totally optional, but it’s a great way to serve up these BBQ beer meatballs at your next party!
Quick and easy right? And super delicious! You could add this recipe to your weekly menu planning and serve the meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes for a quick family meal.
Tips and Tricks
- If you’re in a hurry, thaw the frozen meatballs in the microwave first to speed up the cooking process in the crockpot.
- Make this recipe with beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs.
- Add other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce according to your preferences.
- If you like a touch of sweetness, stir some grape jelly into the BBQ sauce for a deliciously unique twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and enjoy them as a quick snack or meal.
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Tips for Making Crockpot Freezer Meals
- Use 1-gallon, large freezer bags. Label bags with the date, recipe, and cooking instructions.
- Lay ingredients flat in the bag for easier storage in the freezer.
- This 7-Quart Oval Crockpot is the only one that I use and has lasted for over ten years!
- Defrost meals in the refrigerator or place frozen into the crockpot. If the meal is defrosted, reduce the cooking time accordingly (subtract two hours for most crockpot meals).
- Crockpot meals can easily be converted to Instant Pot recipes using this handy guide from Taste of Home – How to Convert Slow Cooker Recipes for the Instant Pot.
- Store meals for up to three months in the freezer.
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Crockpot BBQ Beer Meatballs
Ingredients
- 3 lbs cooked meatballs
- 2 medium diced onions
- 12 oz beer
- 1.5 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp granulated garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Place ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir.
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
Nutrition
What if you’re not using frozen meatballs. Do the instructions stay the same?
Yes, thawed meatballs will work as well. You could reduce the cooking time by 30 mins but that shouldn’t be needed.
Yes, thawed meatballs will totally work! I would reduce the cook time by 30 minutes.