Name: Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey); 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 1/2 cups gluten-free BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

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Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, these Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs are one of my favorite make-ahead dishes for any occasion. Slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, they’re perfect for parties, game day spreads, or easy weeknight dinners. I love how simple they are to put together, especially with the help of the crock pot. Plus, they’re completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)

½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs

¼ cup grated onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon dried parsley

1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (gluten-free)

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Directions

I start by combining the ground meat, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. I mix everything together until it’s well blended.

Then I shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size.

I lightly spray the inside of my crock pot with cooking spray and place the meatballs inside in a single layer.

I pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, making sure each one is coated. If I want extra sweetness, I drizzle honey over the top.

I cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Just before serving, I give them a gentle stir and serve them warm, either as appetizers or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and takes about 15 minutes to prep. Cooking takes 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH, giving a total time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey to lighten things up a bit. For a spicier kick, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce. If I’m serving this to kids, I stick to a sweeter BBQ sauce and leave out the smoked paprika for a milder flavor. For a smoky twist, I’ve also tried adding a few drops of liquid smoke.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I let the meatballs cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They last up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, I warm them in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until hot all the way through.

FAQs

How do I make sure the meatballs stay tender?

I avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs dense. Using grated onion also adds moisture, keeping them juicy during the slow cook.

Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?

Yes, I can use frozen meatballs in place of homemade ones. I just skip the mixing and shaping steps and go straight to adding the BBQ sauce and cooking them in the crock pot.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

I pick a BBQ sauce that suits my taste—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. For a gluten-free option, I always check the label to make sure it's safe.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. I often shape the meatballs a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. When I’m ready, I just toss them in the crock pot with the sauce and start cooking.

Do I need to brown the meatballs first?

No, I don’t brown them before slow cooking. The crock pot does all the work, and the meatballs still come out tender and fully cooked.

Conclusion

These Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs are a go-to in my kitchen for good reason. Whether I’m meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving comfort food, this recipe delivers every time. They’re easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser—and the crock pot makes cleanup a breeze.

📖 Recipe:

Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy, tender, and gluten-free, these Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for parties, game day, or an easy weeknight dinner, they require minimal prep and are always a hit.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried parsley. Mix until well blended.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size.
Lightly spray the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray and place the meatballs inside in a single layer.
Pour BBQ sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are all coated. Drizzle with honey if using.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Stir gently before serving and serve warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes.