How to make spicy BBQ meatballs in a slow cooker (video)

Kate Elliott

Contributing Writer

Keep some meatballs on hand in your freezer, and you'll have a weekday meal that requires zero effort any time you need one. You can easily toss frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, and their texture is perfect when they come out hours later. From there, you can add just about any sauce you want, but this spicy barbecue sauce is a constant favorite!

Ketchup-based, it starts as your typical barbecue sauce. But the red pepper flakes and hot sauce give it a kick that definitely sets it apart from the others. Stick toothpicks in the meatballs for a perfectly sized appetizer, or just pile them on a platter to give the family as a meal. Any way you serve them, they're delicious!

Cooktop Cove

Slow Cooker Spicy BBQ Meatballs

10 minutes

6 hours

6 hours, 10 minutes

2 pounds frozen meatballs

2 cups ketchup

1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons dried red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon mustard powder

1 tablespoon molasses

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

Place meatballs in a 6-quart slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients.

Pour sauce over meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Pro tip: For a lighter version, switch out beef meatballs for chicken or turkey!

Note: All slow cookers are a little bit different in temperature and calibration. This recipe was tested in Cooktop Cove's Test Kitchen using this slow cooker, which is available for purchase here.

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