If you love a little heat with your barbecue, these spicy BBQ meatballs are for you. Perfect for game day or a cozy dinner at home, they’re a breeze to make in your slow cooker. With a blend of bold spices and a sweet, tangy sauce, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Let the slow cooker do the work and enjoy a dish that’s packed with flavor.
Steps
- Place all the ingredients, except for 1/2 cup of water, into a slow cooker. Ensure that the meatballs are fully coated with the sauce mixture.
- Set the slow cooker to low and let the meatballs cook for 2 hours. Stir the mixture, incorporate the remaining 1/2 cup of water, and continue cooking for an additional hour.
- If you notice the sauce becoming too thick or sticking to the sides of the slow cooker, add a little more water as needed.
- After cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste or add more hot sauce if you prefer additional spice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen ground beef meatballs (such as Trader Joe’s Italian Style)
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or sriracha)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 cup water
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
FAQ
- What type of meatballs should I use for this recipe?
- You can use store-bought frozen meatballs, such as Trader Joe’s Italian Style Meatballs, for convenience and ease.
- How long does it take to prepare and cook these meatballs?
- The preparation time is around 15 minutes, and the meatballs need to be cooked in the slow cooker for about 3 hours.
- What are some serving suggestions for Spicy BBQ Crockpot Meatballs?
- You can serve them on toothpick skewers for easy snacking, in slider buns with coleslaw, as lettuce wraps, or with dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce.
- Can I store leftover meatballs, and how should I reheat them?
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat them in a pan over the stove or in the microwave.
- How can I adjust the spice level of the meatballs?
- You can increase the spice level by adding more hot sauce after cooking or reduce it by using a milder hot sauce to begin with.
Tips
- Ensure Even Coating: When adding the ingredients to the slow cooker, make sure all the meatballs are thoroughly covered in the sauce to guarantee even flavor distribution.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce getting too thick during cooking, gradually add more water to achieve your preferred consistency and prevent the sauce from sticking to the sides of the crockpot.
- Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste. You can add more if you prefer a spicier kick or reduce it for a milder version.
- Creative Serving Ideas: Consider serving the meatballs in a variety of ways, such as on toothpick skewers for easy snacking, in slider buns with cabbage or coleslaw, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh twist.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot