Crockpot Bourbon Meatballs

The simplest, easiest party appetizer ever – and also the most delicious! These quick and easy crockpot bourbon meatballs take just a few minutes of hands-on prep time. They fill your house with the most delicious aromas. AND they taste amazing, making them the ultimate entertaining recipe.

We also love these for an easy weeknight dinner! Paired with a green salad and garlic mashed potatoes, this is a perfect dinner idea for busy evenings.

bourbon meatballs

Now when I say these crockpot bourbon meatballs are easy, I mean EASY! Literally all you have to do is stir together the sauce, pour it into the crockpot with frozen meatballs, and press start. Seriously. Or, you can make your own meatballs! Slightly more prep time, but a really delicious option! If you opt for homemade meatballs, I’ve included a delicious recipe and directions below.

easy party food idea

crockpot bourbon meatballs
 
 
Smokey barbeque sauce, peach preserves and Brown Sugar Bourbon are the flavor warriors of this sauce, and will have all your guests coming back for more! Especially coupled with savory meatballs, the sweet sauce is equally matched and absolutely addictive!
 
If you’re a fan of bourbon, scroll to the bottom for more bourbon recipes!

bourbon meatballs on plate

easy bourbon meatballs recipe

Cooking Tips:

 
1. Use a good quality bourbon! Since these meatballs cook in the bourbon, the flavors certainly come through in the final product. I love using Brown Sugar Bourbon for its slightly sweet taste with a hint of cinnamon. An extra taste on the side for the cook doesn’t hurt either!
 
2. If you have time, sear the meatballs! This creates a delicious brown crust on the meatballs that seals in moisture and flavor. A few extra minutes for a noticeable difference!

bourbon meatball close up

easy slow cooker meatballs
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Crockpot Bourbon Meatballs

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  • Author: Kirsten Bell
  • Prep Time: 5-15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 Hours
  • Total Time: 2 Hours and 15 Minutes
  • Yield: 50 Meatballs 1x
  • Category: Cooking
  • Method: Crock Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Easy and flavorful, these crockpot meatballs are a perfect dinner recipe or party food idea!


Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients:

1 cup peach preserves

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (I used Heinz)

1/2 cup Brown Sugar Bourbon

1/2 cup smokey BBQ sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste


Meatball Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 egg

1/3 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian)

1/4 cup finely chopped white onion

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

Homemade Meatball Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together all of the meatball ingredients with your hands. You can also use a big spoon or spatula, but honestly hands work best! Roll the meat into approximately 1″ balls, placing each onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’ve reached 155 degrees F.

Optional: Brown the meatballs to seal in flavor! Pour 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large pan, and heat over medium heat until just the outside of each meatball is browned. Then transfer to baking sheet and bake until 155 degrees F.

In the bowl of your crockpot, stir together the all the sauce ingredients. Add cooked meatballs, stir gently, and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

 

 

Frozen Meatball Directions: 

Stir together the all the sauce ingredients in a medium mixing bowl until combined. Pour into the crockpot. Add frozen meatballs (no need to thaw), stir, and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.


Notes

You can find frozen meatballs at most grocery stores, including Trader Joes and Costco!

Love bourbon recipes? Check out more below!

2 COMMENTS

  1. Makemineaspritzer | 23rd Feb 20

    Yum! I love a meatball … homemade or frozen, on a stick or paired with potatoes … definitely a favorite comfort food. I’ll be reunited with my crock pot soon. Hurrah!

  2. Kirsten Bell | 24th Feb 20

    Meeee too!! They're so good and so easy! And yay for kitchen reunions!

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