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Easy Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

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Tender meatballs cooked in a slow cooker and coated in a sticky, tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for party snacks or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety preferred)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
  4. Pour half of the BBQ sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add meatballs in a single layer, then pour remaining sauce over the top.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Avoid stirring frequently; turn gently once midway if desired.
  6. If sauce is too thin at the end, remove lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve warm with sauce.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Smaller meatballs cook more evenly and absorb sauce better. Optionally brown meatballs in a skillet before slow cooking for a crust. Adjust sauce sweetness with honey or vinegar to taste. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, BBQ meatballs, party snacks, easy meatballs, slow cooker recipes, tender meatballs, BBQ sauce

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/easy-tender-slow-cooker-bbq-meatballs-recipe-for-perfect-party-snacks/