Easy BBQ Meatballs
When you need an appetizer that practically makes itself, these Easy BBQ Meatballs are hard to beat. With just frozen meatballs and your favorite barbecue sauce, they’re an easy party snack for game day, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need to feed a crowd. My granny always had these simmering away on the stove before family dinners. I assumed she’d been slaving away all afternoon. Turns out…not so much. When I finally asked how she made them, I was shocked to learn it was just frozen meatballs and barbecue sauce. I’ve been making them ever since because sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones everyone asks for. Whether you make them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, you really can’t go wrong with this classic appetizer.
- Serves: varies
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: slow cooker – 2 hours, stovetop – 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. frozen meatballs (use the smaller size- about ½ ounce/meatball)
- 1 18 oz. bottle of barbecue sauce (I like to use one that isn’t too thick such as Stubbs or Sticky Fingers – can’t go wrong with sweet heat!)
Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
More Easy Party Snacks:
- Beer Cheese Dip – quick, stovetop recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Dip – easy classic, slow cooker or baked
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Directions:
Step 1: Add the meatballs to a slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over top (use about 1 bottle of sauce for every 2 pounds of meatballs).
Step 2: Stir and set the temperature to high. Cook for about 2 hours or until meatballs are heated through. Stir and serve with toothpicks for an easy appetizer!
Step-by-Step Stovetop Directions:
Step 1: Add the meatballs to a large saucepan or pot and pour sauce over them. Stir to thoroughly coat the meatballs.
Step 2: Heat pan over medium low heat and cover. Stir every few minutes. Cook for about 30 minutes or until meatballs are heated through. Enjoy!
Simply Made Suggestions:
- This is my go-to recipe when I need an appetizer for a large crowd! I’ve served this at multiple family weddings by using a 5 pound bag of frozen meatballs and 2-3 bottles of sauce. It’s always a hit!
- My kids love these so much, they sometimes eat them for lunch! They’re amazing just as they are or add a hoagie and cheese for a simple meatball sub!
🍖 Before You Go…
Slow cooker meatballs are only the beginning. See more easy recipes for feeding a crowd that make entertaining simple without spending all day in the kitchen.
Easy BBQ Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lb. frozen meatballs (use the smaller size- about ½ ounce/meatball)
- 1 bottle of barbecue sauce (I like to use one that isn't too thick such as Stubbs or Sticky Fingers – can't go wrong with sweet heat!)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Directions:
- Add the meatballs to a slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over top (use about 1 bottle of sauce for every 2 pounds of meatballs).
- Stir and set the temperature to high. Cook for about 2 hours or until meatballs are heated through. Stir and serve with toothpicks for an easy appetizer!
Stovetop Directions:
- Step 1: Add the meatballs to a large saucepan or pot and pour sauce over them. Stir to thoroughly coat the meatballs.
- Heat pan over medium low heat and cover. Stir every few minutes. Cook for about 30 minutes or until meatballs are heated through. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.
