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.

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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

Pin This! Coke Zero Slow Cooker Meatball Recipe