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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To make these meatballs, start with ground beef. I like using 80/20 beef for a juicy bite. Combine it with breadcrumbs and Parmesan for texture and flavor. One egg binds the mix together. Garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper add zest. - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably sweet) - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice level) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish For the sauce, I love sweet BBQ sauce for balance. Honey adds a nice touch of sweetness. Adjust hot sauce based on your spice preference—go mild or kick it up! Apple cider vinegar brings acidity, brightening the flavors. Don’t forget fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and freshness. Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add these ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix everything until smooth. You want a thick and sticky mixture. If it feels too dry, add a little water or more egg. If it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs. This helps your meatballs hold their shape. With your hands, roll the mixture into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Make them all even so they cook at the same rate. Place the balls on a tray as you roll them. Once done, it’s time to move them to the slow cooker. Carefully transfer each meatball into the slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to ensure even cooking. In another bowl, whisk together these sauce ingredients: - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably sweet) - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice level) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Whisk until it’s smooth. Pour this sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure all meatballs are well-coated. This step is key for flavor. Now it’s time to cook. You have two options: - Cook on low for 4-5 hours - Cook on high for 2-3 hours Check the meatballs for doneness. They should be firm and no longer pink inside. If they look done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs to coat them more in the sauce. How to prevent meatballs from falling apart? To keep your meatballs intact, use breadcrumbs. They bind the meat and help hold shape. Adding an egg also helps with this. Mix everything well, but don’t overwork the meat. Shape the meatballs gently; this helps them stay firm while cooking. Using different meat types for variations You can switch up the ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken works great too. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas. Each meat gives the meatballs a unique flavor. Just adjust cooking times if you choose leaner meats. Presentation tips and serving ideas Serve your meatballs in a deep dish. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for a tasty look. Use toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also garnish with fresh parsley to add color. Pairing side dishes with BBQ meatballs BBQ meatballs pair well with simple sides. Try coleslaw or baked beans for a classic touch. Rice or mashed potatoes can soak up the sauce. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can change the spice level by adjusting the hot sauce. If you want less heat, use less hot sauce. For more spice, add extra hot sauce. You can also try different sauces to switch up the flavor. For example, go with a teriyaki sauce for a sweet taste. Or, use a mustard-based sauce for a tangy kick. Each choice gives your meatballs a unique twist! You can swap out ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken works well, too. These options cut fat and still taste great. If you want a vegetarian version, try using lentils or chickpeas. Both make a filling and tasty meatball. Regarding breadcrumbs, you can use different types. Panko breadcrumbs make the meatballs extra crispy. Regular breadcrumbs offer a softer texture. You can even use crushed crackers for a fun crunch. Feel free to get creative with the meatball mix! To store your leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Use an airtight container for the best results. They will stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Label your container with the date to keep track. If you want to save some meatballs for later, freezing is easy. Place the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a tray. Freeze them until solid, then move them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw your meatballs, move them to the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave them for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overcook them. Enjoy your sweet and spicy BBQ meatballs any time! You can cook meatballs in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. The longer they cook, the more tender they become. Check for doneness by cutting one open. It should be hot throughout and no longer pink. This method ensures the flavors blend well and the meatballs soak up the sweet and spicy BBQ sauce. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add about 1 hour to the cooking time. If the meatballs are pre-cooked, they may take less time. Be sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe eating. Using frozen meatballs saves time and still gives you a delicious dish. If your meatballs turn out dry, add moisture with a splash of BBQ sauce or a bit of broth. You can also mix in a little milk or an extra egg next time to keep them soft. Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well, but don’t overwork it. This helps them stay moist and tender while cooking. This guide on making BBQ meatballs covers key details—from ingredients to storage. I shared tips for perfect meatballs and explored fun variations. With the right spices and sauces, you can make this dish your own. Remember to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy your delicious meatballs as a tasty treat or a meal that impresses. Cooking should always be fun and rewarding. You now have the tools and knowledge to master BBQ meatballs. Dive in and try them out!

Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Meatballs

Indulge in these Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy BBQ Meatballs that are sure to impress at your next gathering! With a perfect blend of ground beef, Parmesan, and a signature sauce featuring the right touch of honey and spice, these meatballs are deliciously irresistible. Easy to prepare and cook while you go about your day. Click to explore the full recipe and take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably sweet)

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice level)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

    Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a tray or plate.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

        Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all meatballs are evenly coated.

          Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

            Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat them further before serving.

              Retrieve meatballs with a slotted spoon and place them on a platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4-5 hours | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs in a deep dish with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top, along with toothpicks on the side for easy serving at gatherings or parties.