This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
One pot four ingredient Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs are quick, easy, and so delicious – perfect for parties!
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of contents
Easy Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs
With the Superbowl coming up, I’ve been thinking of delicious, easy appetizers I can make for our big game celebrations. These meatballs are so easy to eat and serve and can be made well ahead of any action on the field. They are smoky, a little garlicky, a bit sweet, and completely craveable!
While my beloved Broncos aren’t on the field this year, I’m still really excited to watch and cheer on my true team – the commercials – and the absolute best part of any super Sunday – THE FOOD!
How to make Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs
First you will want to assemble the following ingredients:
- Meatball – I prefer using frozen meatballs for this recipe. If you make your own make sure you brown them in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker so they stay separate.
- BBQ Sauce – I prefer spicy BBQ sauce for this recipe for a Kansas City style BBQ but you can use whichever type of sauce you want.
- Whiskey – whiskey has a sweet flavor and will contrast your BBQ sauce well and give these meatballs a very special taste.
- Garlic powder – garlic powder will add that a nice intense earthy flavor to these meatballs. If you use fresh garlic press it or mince finely.
Once you have assembled the ingredients use the following method
Add to cooker. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, then add all the other ingredients and toss to coat.
Cook. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
Serve. Stir so the meatballs are coated in the sauce and garnish with green onions if you prefer. Enjoy while they are warm!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs
If you want a caramel flavor. You can pour the whiskey over the meatballs first, and light it (carefully) with a match, to create a nice toasty glaze around the meatballs before adding the BBQ sauce and garlic powder. It is best to use thawed meatballs if preparing this way – otherwise you can go ahead and use frozen meatballs!
Substitutes for whiskey. If you’d like to skip the whiskey, you could add a DROP (ONE DROP) of liquid smoke, and a tablespoon of molasses to get a similar smoky sweet flavor.
Make in Instant Pot. If you want to make this recipe in an instant pot you can mix all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook for 12-15 minutes.
FAQs
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave.
Since whiskey is sweet, I like to use a slightly spicy bbq sauce (Kansas City style). I prefer this type.
Other Game Day sides to enjoy with your Meatballs
If you are looking to have a bangarang spread at your Superbowl party check out these other delicious dishes!
Check out our other BBQ recipes by clicking this link!
If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Follow on Instagram
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb meatballs, frozen
- 1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ Sauce
- 3 oz whiskey
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large slow cooker, add meatballs.
- Drizzle whiskey and BBQ Sauce over meatballs, and top with garlic powder.
- Stir well.
- Set on high for 2 hours, or low for 4 hours, and serve when steaming hot.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
