Description
These Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs are a perfect blend of tender, flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a rich and tangy barbecue sauce. Cooked slowly in a slow cooker, they develop a sticky glaze that’s ideal for appetizers or a hearty main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion (or shallot)
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika (smoked or regular)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or less to taste)
Instructions
- Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, mustard, chopped onion, bread crumbs, dried parsley, dried garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, preferably using a hand mixer with dough hook attachments for easy handling and minimal mess. Shape the mixture into small, firm meatballs using approximately 1 teaspoon of the mixture per meatball to ensure they hold together during cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside. Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Slow Cook with Sauce: In a 3-4 quart slow cooker, combine the barbecue sauce, ground paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. The meatballs can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting for an additional 1-2 hours if needed.
Notes
- Firmly shape meatballs to prevent them from disintegrating in the sauce.
- You can use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor or regular paprika for milder taste.
- Adjust salt in the sauce according to your barbecue sauce’s saltiness.
- Meatballs can be baked instead of pan-fried for a healthier option.
- Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or with rice or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
