Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these mouthwatering Steakhouse BBQ Meatballs in the Crockpot! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs infused with rich BBQ flavors, simmering away while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is not just a meal—it's an experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delicious world of BBQ meatballs that are as easy to make as they are irresistible!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce for cooking
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 24 evenly sized meatballs.
- Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the formed meatballs into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring each meatball is well-coated.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and absorb the BBQ sauce flavors.
- Occasionally gently stir or shake the crockpot halfway through cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent sticking.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Once done, turn off the crockpot and let the meatballs rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions, and accompanied by additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For the best flavor and texture, opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15). This will keep your meatballs juicy without being overly greasy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Uniform Size: Aim for uniform meatball sizes (about
- 5 inches) to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve this consistency.
- Spray the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Carefully: If your crockpot is small, consider cooking in batches or layering the meatballs carefully to ensure they cook evenly.
- Check Temperature: Always check that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the meatballs rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps them retain moisture and makes them easier to handle.
- Garnish for Presentation: Add a pop of color by garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions before serving. It makes the dish look even more appetizing!
- Serve with Extra BBQ Sauce: For those who love extra flavor, serve additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Leftovers are Gold: These meatballs make fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
