Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Tangy and sweet BBQ meatballs are a delicious appetizer to serve at parties. Cola provides the sweet, tangy flavor.

Crockpot BBQ meatballs are a foolproof appetizer. And they work for pretty much any occasion, whether you’re inviting folks over to celebrate a holiday or tuning into some big sporting event, like March Madness or the Super Bowl.

These tangy barbecue meatballs require almost zero prep work, and they’re ready in 3 hours — unlike many Crock-Pot recipes that take all day to cook.

I first cooked up this recipe in 2015 in honor of March Madness. And I’ve been meaning to update this post ever since with better photos. Finally checking that off my to do list here in 2021, a year when my team was knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the first round.

One of my greatest college memories was watching the UNC Tar Heels win the national championship in 1993!

It was an edge-of-your-seat win, the kind that had me yelling at the TV screen. And talk about a celebration afterwards as students poured onto the street to cheer our team’s big win. I’m always hoping for a repeat.

My bracket might be busted and my championship dreams will have to wait another year. But I can still enjoy some good March Madness food.

You’ll want to add these tangy slow cooker barbecue meatballs to your starting lineup.

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You can scroll to the end of this post for the full recipe and ingredient list. But you may want to keep reading for more tips on how to Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs.

Ingredients for BBQ Meatballs

For this recipe, you will need:

• Slow Cooker – I usually cook these in my mini Crock-Pot, but if you’re doubling the recipe, you will need to use a larger slow cooker.
• Cola – The secret ingredient in these crockpot meatballs is Coke Zero, which is my drink of choice. You can use any cola or dark soda you like — diet or regular.
• Ketchup – Use any brand you prefer. Our favorite type of ketchup is Heinz Simply because it isn’t as sweet as some other varities.
• Cider vinegar – You can use either filtered or unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
• Worcestershire sauce – The fermented condiment adds a lot of tangy flavor to the recipe.
• Seasoning Salt – Just a teaspoon is all the only spice you’ll need.
• Mustard – Regular old yellow mustard
• Frozen meatballs – Any packaged, frozen meatballs work for this recipe. I like to use all-beef meatballs.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

When it comes to easy appetizers, they don’t get much simpler than this one. No fancy culinary skills required.

1. Combine the soda, ketchup, cider vinegar, salt and mustard in a slow cooker.
2. Stir until everything is well blended.
3. Next, add the meatballs and stir again.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.

More Game Day Recipes

If you enjoyed these crockpot meatballs, check out these other Game Day appetizers:

• Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip
• Pork Fried Wontons
• Pulled Pork Nachos with Pickled Red Onion
• Easy French Onion Dip
• Air Fryer Chicken Wing Recipes
• Buffalo & Blue Mini Chicken & Waffles
• Homemade Tortilla Chips

Print

Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

3 hrs

Total Time

3 hrs 5 mins

 

Tangy and sweet barbecue meatballs are a delicious appetizer to serve at parties. Cola provides the sweet, tangy flavor.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 149 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Coke Zero or other cola
• 2 Tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 20-ounce bag frozen meatballs

Instructions

1. Combine Coke Zero, ketcup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and salt in a slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Add meatballs and stir to coat.

4. Cook for 3 hours on HIGH in a slow cooker.

Recipe Notes

Notes

You can substitute another dark cola for Coke Zero in this recipe, but it will increase the calorie count.

 

I like to use Angus beef meatballs for this recipe, but you can also use another type of meatball.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 149 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 34mg11%

Sodium 421mg18%

Potassium 214mg6%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 107IU2%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 12mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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