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Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

These Sticky BBQ Slow Cooker Meatballs are a deliciously tender and flavorful appetizer or meal option, featuring juicy beef meatballs simmered slowly in a rich homemade barbecue sauce. The slow cooking method allows the meatballs to soak up the tangy, smoky flavors, delivering a perfect sweet and savory bite every time.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 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

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or less to taste)

Instructions

  1. 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—using a hand mixer with dough hook attachments can make this easier and cleaner. Shape the mixture firmly into small, teaspoon-sized meatballs to ensure they hold together during cooking.
  2. Cook meatballs: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are fully cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Slow cook with sauce: In a 3-4 quart slow cooker, combine barbecue sauce, ground paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, making sure they are well coated. Cook on the low setting for 3-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender. After this, you can keep the meatballs warm in the slow cooker for an additional 1-2 hours on the “warm” setting until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Firmly shape the meatballs to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
  • You can brown meatballs in a pan or bake them for convenience.
  • Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, if available.
  • The slow cooker keeps the meatballs tender and allows the sauce to thicken nicely.
  • These meatballs make a great appetizer or a main dish served over rice or noodles.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/sticky-bbq-slow-cooker-meatballs-recipe/