Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, blending sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors with a boozy kick that makes every bite irresistible. These tender meatballs, simmered in a rich bourbon-infused sauce, are perfect for game-day parties, holiday gatherings, or even a fun weeknight dinner. I first whipped these up for a Super Bowl party a few years back, inspired by a friend’s obsession with bourbon BBQ flavors, and they vanished faster than I could say “touchdown!” This slow-cooker recipe is a lifesaver when you want big flavor with minimal effort, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs

Bold, complex flavor: The bourbon, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce create a sweet-savory glaze with a smoky depth that’s pure magic.
Effortless prep: Toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work—perfect for busy days or entertaining.
Versatile dish: Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Crowd-pleaser: These meatballs are a hit at parties, potlucks, or family dinners—everyone loves them!
Customizable heat: Adjust the spice with hot sauce or chili flakes to suit your taste.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep the sauce or meatballs in advance for stress-free hosting.
Weeknight win: Ready in a few hours with minimal hands-on time, perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients for This Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs. I’ve added tips and swaps to keep things flexible. A full list with exact measurements is in the instructions below.

Frozen meatballs: Pre-cooked, frozen meatballs save time, but homemade work too. Use beef, turkey, or a mix for variety.
Bourbon: The star ingredient—choose a decent quality for bold flavor. Whiskey or even apple juice (for non-alcoholic) can substitute.
BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite; a smoky or sweet variety works best. Low-sugar options are great for less sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to balance the bourbon’s bite. Honey or maple syrup can work in a pinch.
Ketchup: Gives the sauce body and a tangy edge. Swap with tomato sauce if you prefer.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and depth. Look for gluten-free or vegan versions if needed.
Garlic powder: For a subtle savory kick. Fresh minced garlic works too, but add it sparingly.
Hot sauce or chili flakes: Optional, for a spicy twist. Adjust to your heat preference.
Salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavors. Freshly ground pepper adds a nice touch.
Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs – Step-by-Step

These Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs are a breeze to make, and I’ll walk you through each step with tips to ensure they’re a hit.

Gather Your Ingredients
Grab your slow cooker, meatballs, and sauce ingredients. Having everything ready makes this a snap. Tip: A 4-quart or larger crock pot works best for even cooking.
Make the Bourbon Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce (if using). Tip: Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely—makes a big difference for a smooth sauce!
Add Meatballs to the Crock Pot
Place 2 lbs of frozen meatballs (about 32 oz) in the slow cooker. No need to thaw—they’ll cook perfectly in the sauce. Tip: If using homemade meatballs, ensure they’re pre-cooked to save time.
Pour and Stir
Pour the bourbon sauce over the meatballs and gently stir to coat evenly. Make sure all meatballs are covered for maximum flavor. Tip: Use a wooden spoon here if you have one—trust me, it’s great for mixing without scratching your crock pot.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened and bubbly. Stir gently halfway through. Tip: Don’t lift the lid too often—it slows the cooking process.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust with a bit more brown sugar for sweetness, a splash of bourbon for intensity, or hot sauce for heat. Tip: Let it cool slightly before tasting to avoid burning your tongue!
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish or keep warm in the crock pot. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve with toothpicks for apps or over rice for a meal. Tip: For parties, set the crock pot to warm to keep the meatballs perfect all night.

Helpful Tips for Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs

Meal Prep: Mix the sauce a day ahead and store in the fridge. You can also place frozen meatballs and sauce in the crock pot insert and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring, or warm in the crock pot on low for 1–2 hours. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Make Ahead: Cook the entire recipe a day in advance and reheat before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier.
Pairing Suggestions: Serve as an appetizer with a side of coleslaw or as a main dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or a green salad. A cold beer or iced tea pairs perfectly.
Creative Twists: Add a tbsp of peach jam for a fruity twist, swap bourbon for rum for a different vibe, or toss in diced jalapeños for extra heat.

FAQs About Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs

Can I make Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs without alcohol?
Yes! Swap bourbon for apple juice or grape juice for a similar sweet-tangy profile. The sauce will still be delicious and family-friendly.

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Use pre-cooked homemade meatballs to save time, or bake raw ones at 400°F for 15–20 minutes before adding to the crock pot.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
If it’s too thin, cook uncovered on high for 20–30 minutes at the end, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but don’t overfill your crock pot—use a 6-quart or larger model. Double the sauce and meatballs, and add 30–60 minutes to the cooking time.

Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild with the suggested hot sauce amount. Skip the hot sauce for no heat, or add extra chili flakes or sriracha for a spicier kick.

I make these Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs for every game-day party or casual get-together because they’re so easy and always a hit. My final tip? Don’t skimp on the bourbon—it’s the secret to that rich, smoky flavor. Try these Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs and let me know how they turn out—they’re one of my go-to recipes, and I bet they’ll become a favorite at your table too!

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