Posted Aug 19, 2024 If you want a quick, easy, kid-friendly dinner recipe, you need to try these BBQ meatballs. Even if you choose to make homemade meatballs (which I highly recommend), it only takes about 20 minutes to prepare this bbq meatballs recipe. Then, let it cook in the crockpot until ready to serve. We enjoy them over rice (white, brown, cilantro rice, etc.) or noodles.
BBQ Meatballs Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs
You can use frozen meatballs in this recipe and skip making your own. For notes on ingredient substitutions, check out this homemade meatball recipe. You can also use chicken meatballs or turkey meatballs.
Sauce
BBQ sauce. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. I suggest an organic BBQ sauce for the best flavor/ingredients. Crushed pineapple. use canned or fresh pineapple pulsed in the blender. Red onion. choose your favorite onion variety. Green bell pepper. I love adding veggies to this dish. You can add any color bell pepper you choose. Or, sometimes I shred a small zucchini into the sauce.
How to Make BBQ Meatballs
Let’s walk through how to make this barbecue meatballs recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.
Make the Meatballs
If you opt to make your own meatballs (again, highly recommend), begin by combining the ground beef, egg, milk and Worcestershire sauce Then, add the breadcrumbs, parmesan, sea salt, pepper, garlic and onion and stir until evenly distributed. Next, use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon and measure out 1 Tablespoon portions of the meatball mixture, then roll it with your hands. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven 12-15 minutes or until internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.
Make the BBQ Meatballs Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple, onion, green pepper, minced garlic, sea salt and pepper to the container of a slow cooker and stir to combine. Then, add the meatballs and gently stir to coat with the sauce. *If you are using store-bought, frozen meatballs, stir them into the sauce at this time.
Cook the BBQ Meatballs
Once everything is mixed in the slow cooker, cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours (if using frozen meatballs, you will need the full interval, if using fresh homemade meatballs, just cook until the peppers are soft and the sauce is bubbly). In the last 30 minutes of cooking, move the lid so it’s slightly ajar. This will help thicken the sauce.
Serve
Serve the barbecue meatballs warm over rice, cilantro rice, egg noodles, etc. We also like serving them with a side of roasted broccoli or roasted green beans.
Store/Freeze
Store leftover BBQ meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
