Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs

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One pot four ingredient Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs are quick, easy, and so delicious – perfect for parties!

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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!

meatball on a toothpick up close, bowl of meatballs in the background, slow cooker bbq meatballs written across it.

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!

bowl of whiskey bbq meatballs up close.

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

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave.

What kind of BBQ sauce do you recommend using for this recipe?

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!

Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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meatball on a toothpick up close, bowl of meatballs in the background, slow cooker bbq meatballs written across it.

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Whiskey BBQ Meatballs in a white bowl on a table.
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Slow Cooker Whiskey BBQ Meatballs

One pot four ingredient slow cooker BBQ Whiskey Meatballs are quick, easy, and so delicious – perfect for parties!
Course Slow Cooker
Cuisine American
Keyword bbq, bbq meatballs, best meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, slow cooker whiskey bbq meatballs, whiskey, whiskey bbq, whiskey meatballs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 285kcal
Author Courtney O’Dell

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 923mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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