If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate party appetizer or an easy dinner that everyone will devour, this Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe checks all the boxes. These juicy, cheesy meatballs are slow-cooked until incredibly tender in a bath of zesty barbecue sauce, blending the smoky-sweet flavor of BBQ with gooey pockets of cheddar in every bite. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a potluck, or just want a fun twist on classic meatballs, this recipe delivers irresistible comfort with hardly any fuss.

Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for big flavors from a handful of kitchen staples! Each ingredient in this recipe has a specific job, from amping up savoriness to adding a creamy, melty texture or just the right kick of spice. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lean ground beef: The star of the show, lean beef keeps the meatballs juicy without being greasy.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melty cheddar throughout each bite brings luscious richness and a pop of flavor.
Plain breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and give the meatballs a soft, tender texture.
Large egg: Acts as a binder so your meatballs hold up perfectly in the crock pot.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates a light, tender crumb.
Onion powder: Infuses a mellow onion flavor without the need for chopping.
Garlic powder: Delivers a savory punch that pairs wonderfully with cheddar and BBQ sauce.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors; be sure not to skip!
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite (smoky, sweet, or spicy) for the signature flavor of these meatballs.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the savory complexity and helps the barbecue sauce cling to the meatballs.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful finish when serving.

How to Make Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so just bring it all together until combined. Then, using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. It’s a little hands-on, but this is where the magic (and fun) begins!

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs for about 5–6 minutes total, turning occasionally so they get golden on all sides. This quick step locks in the juices and gives the meatballs a rich, savory base—plus, it means they’ll hold up beautifully in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs are browning, whisk together the barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. This combo is a powerhouse of tangy, sweet, savory flavor and ties the whole dish together. You can use a classic BBQ sauce or get creative with a smoked or spicy variety to make the Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe your own!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Transfer the browned meatballs into your crock pot and pour that irresistible BBQ sauce blend all over the top. Gently toss to coat, making sure every meatball gets a nice, even layer. Pop the lid on, set your crock pot to low, and let them cook for 3 hours. The smell alone will have everyone circling the kitchen like hungry wolves.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is delightfully melty, serve them up hot straight from the crock pot! Sprinkle a handful of fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Add extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping—because there’s no such thing as too much sauce, right?

How to Serve Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped fresh parsley over the hot meatballs makes them look extra inviting and adds fresh brightness. For even more flavor, try a sprinkle of finely diced red onion, an extra shower of cheddar, or even some sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick. Let your garnish game shine!

Side Dishes

These cheesy BBQ meatballs pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery slider buns for mini sandwiches, or even a cool, crisp coleslaw for some crunch. Need more options? Steamed veggies or even a simple green salad balance the richness and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this dish to the next level by skewering the meatballs with toothpicks for a fuss-free party snack, nestling them inside slider buns for killer cheesy BBQ sliders, or spooning them over rice for a cozy weeknight dinner. However you plate it, the Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe is sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Nothing beats leftovers that taste just as good the next day! Store any extra meatballs with sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make fantastic meal-prep lunches or quick snacks everyone will look forward to.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer superstar! Cool the cooked meatballs and sauce completely, then store them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s perfect for make-ahead entertaining or batch cooking.

Reheating

To warm up your Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe, you can use the microwave (cover to prevent splatters) or gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if needed. If you made a large batch, the crock pot itself can turn leftovers into a ready-to-serve treat, just set it to low and heat until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe, you can swap in pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for extra stretch, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist. Just make sure your cheese is shredded so it blends easily into the meat mixture.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Mix the ingredients just until combined and be gentle when forming your meatballs. Browning them in the skillet before adding to the crock pot also helps them hold their shape, yielding perfect, tender meatballs every time.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! If your crock pot is large enough, doubling the Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe works like a charm. Just ensure your meatballs aren’t too crowded so they cook evenly; you might want to stir them gently halfway through cooking.

Which barbecue sauce is best to use?

Your favorite barbecue sauce will shine here—classic, tangy, smoky, or spicy. Homemade or store-bought both work, so pick a flavor profile that suits your palate or the crowd you’re serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a simple swap to your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, this dish can easily become gluten-free. Just double-check your barbecue and Worcestershire sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about sharing a big batch of homemade meatballs, and this Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe has quickly become a staple at our gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. With bold, cheesy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth barbecue goodness, it’s a dish that always gets rave reviews. Give it a try and watch how fast they disappear from the table!

Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for parties or game days. Juicy meatballs made with lean ground beef, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, slow-cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook in Crock Pot: Transfer meatballs to crock pot, pour barbecue sauce mixture over them, and cook on low for 3 hours.
Serve: Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce and parsley garnish.

Notes

Use pre-shredded cheddar for convenience, or try pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Great for parties, game days, or as a main dish with mashed potatoes or sliders.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Appetizer
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American