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Sara Emma

Crockpot Bourbon BBQ Meatballs

A smoky, sweet, and sticky appetizer or main dish that’s guaranteed to be the highlight of your meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 serving
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Frozen Meatballs Beef or Turkey
  • 1.5 cups High-Quality BBQ Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Bourbon Whiskey
  • 0.5 cup Ketchup
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 0.5 medium Onion finely diced
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley or green onions chopped

Equipment

  • 6 -Quart Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and diced onion until completely smooth.
  2. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Ensure they are distributed evenly.
  3. Pour the Glaze: Pour the sauce mixture over the frozen meatballs, making sure every piece is coated.
  4. Stir Gently: Using a large wooden spoon, carefully toss the meatballs until the sauce covers all of them.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
  6. Thicken: For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Make it Ahead: You can mix the sauce and meatballs in the crockpot insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place it into the slow cooker base and turn it on.
  • Bourbon Choice: Stick to standard, moderately priced Kentucky bourbon. Avoid flavored or cinnamon-infused variations for the best flavor balance.