Description
Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs combine tender ground beef meatballs filled with sharp cheddar cheese and slow-cooked in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or any gathering, delivering cheesy, smoky flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Fold in cubed or shredded cheddar cheese so each meatball will have cheesy pockets when cooked.
- Form the Meatballs: Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place them on a clean tray or plate as you shape them.
- Sear the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil, and gently brown the meatballs on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per batch. This adds a lovely caramelized crust and depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and cook them directly in the slow cooker.
- Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker and Pour Sauce: Place all the meatballs into the slow cooker crock. Pour your chosen BBQ sauce over the meatballs, then add Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly without breaking them.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be tender, thoroughly cooked, and infused with the barbecue sauce’s rich flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs to evenly distribute the sauce. Serve hot with your favorite sides or as a tasty appetizer. Enjoy the cheesy, smoky delight!
Notes
- Use quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum cheesy flavor inside the meatballs.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to keep meatballs tender and avoid toughness.
- Searing the meatballs before slow cooking enhances flavor with a savory crust.
- Do not overcrowd the slow cooker; give meatballs plenty of space to cook evenly and absorb the sauce.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F for safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg