Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs with a sweet maple kick. Learn how to make this easy crockpot BBQ meatballs recipe for a crowd or meal prep for the week — the slow cooker does all the work.
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatball Recipe
Hello friends,
Where did the week go? It’s already Thursday, and with a busy Tuesday behind me the days have flown. I’m definitely ready for the weekend — lots of plans and celebrations ahead.
This weekend I’ll be working Saturday morning and attending my best friend’s baby shower. We’re also preparing for more family events soon, so it’s a busy but happy season.
My mom is here helping with Parker while I finish up work and meet with a few nutrition clients this afternoon. I’m so grateful for her help — it makes a huge difference.
If you’re already planning for the Super Bowl or any gathering, these Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs are a perfect make-ahead dish. They’re simple to prepare, full of sweet maple flavor, and easy to transport for a party.
They’re also great for meal prep — serve them over rice, toss them into a salad, or enjoy them as an easy protein for lunches throughout the week. The slow cooker keeps everything hands-off and flavorful.
Meal Prep BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
This recipe is ideal for batch cooking. Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick dinners or lunches. The maple and ketchup-based sauce gives the meatballs a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that pairs well with grains, roasted vegetables, or a leafy green salad.
If you enjoy recipe and nutrition content, I recently wrote two pieces for MyFitnessPal that you might find helpful.
- 21 Dietitian Approved Tips to Jumpstart Weight Loss
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Allow Yourself to Eat All Foods
More easy meatball recipes
Greek Lamb Meatballs
Spinach & Turkey Meatballs
Pesto Meatballs
Italian Wedding Soup with Quinoa
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
- Author: Kristina LaRue
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 18
Description
These slow cooker maple meatballs are sweet, savory, and effortless. Make them for game day, a party, or meal prep — the slow cooker does the heavy lifting and produces tender, saucy meatballs with a hint of maple.
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
For the BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients and mix until evenly incorporated. Shape into 18 uniform meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, and apple cider vinegar to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours or until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 63
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 126mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
