Steakhouse BBQ Meatballs are TANGY, SPICY, and a little SMOKY!

This meatball appetizer comes together quickly, slow cooks in a yummy sauce, and will disappear just as fast!

If you’d rather skip my (very helpful, I think) tips and tricks, essential cooking info, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to this delicious easy Steakhouse BBQ Meatballs recipe – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

BBQ Meatballs are the answer to any get together when it’s too hot too cook. Bust out the crock pot and slow cook party meatballs during the day, add a salad, and serve with something cool to drink.

Using a smoky, semi-homemade BBQ sauce and frozen homemade meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever had a party without these!

How often do you use your crockpot, slow cooker, or instant pot? I love to use my crockpot at least once or twice a week!

It’s easy to use and doesn’t heat up the house like the oven does.

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Ingredients for BBQ Meatballs

• frozen meatballs
• ketchup
• steak sauce
• liquid smoke
• molasses
• steak seasoning
• water

Meatballs – For this recipe, they need to be fully cooked and frozen or at least chilled. This recipe is not for cooking meatballs from the raw state!

If the meatballs are room temperature they might not hold their shape while cooking. Especially if made from scratch.

How to make slow cooker BBQ meatballs

STEP ONE: Make the barbecue sauce by mixing together the water, ketchup, liquid smoke, molasses, and steak seasoning.

STEP TWO: Place meatballs in the crockpot.

STEP THREE: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat evenly.

STEP FOUR: Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for up to 5 hours. Enjoy warm.

Can you add the meatballs to the crock pot while frozen?

Yes you can! Just be sure that the meatballs have been cooked previously. You don’t have to thaw the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker.

How long can you cook the meatballs in the crockpot?

The most I would cook these is 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low. After that, the sauce will start to over thicken.

Can I keep the leftover sauce for something else?

You certainly can! This sauce is amazing and is great on chicken too. Just be sure to store it properly and to reheat fully before eating.

Tips for Crockpot appetizer meatballs

• You can use my steak seasoning which pairs well with these sauce but if you want more bbq flavor try my BBQ rub!
• Make sure you give them a stir every hour to make sure the meatballs get evenly heated and let the sauce get all warm and yummy.
• Serve with toothpicks or forks if you like.
• Use a crockpot liner for easier clean up!
• Cooking time with vary based on high or low cooking temperatures. Keep them on warm when serving.

What a great vision to have when the weather turns cold and you are dreaming of summer days again.

Looking for other crockpot appetizers to take to a party you’ve been invited to?  How about a quick appetizer you can make ahead of time for a get-together that you are hosting and are already stressed to the max? 

Check out these recipes to fit your special occasion!

What can you serve with BBQ meatballs?

• Cherry Pretzel Salad Dip
• Pie Crust Crackers
• Limoncello Lady Cocktail

Other great cocktail meatballs recipes to try!

• Honey Mustard Meatballs
• Pineapple Ginger Meatballs
• French Onion Meatballs
• Nashville Hot Chicken Meatballs
• Tangy Sweet Crockpot Meatballs
• Grape Jelly Meatballs

Easy BBQ meatball recipe

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