Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs are tender, succulent, and loaded with irresistible flavors. They can be prepped in minutes and cooked in the Crock-Pot, making them perfect for serving as an appetizer on game day or on lazy weekends.
If you love easy meatball recipes, try these Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, Game Day Crock Pot Meatballs, and Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs.
In This Post
This easy slow cooker recipe is the perfect marriage of two things, ‘hands-off’ cooking and meatballs. I love using my Crock Pot and my family is always up for meatballs, making this combination is a winner.
I’ve been a fan of slow cooking for years, after all everyone loves easy crock pot meals! Whether I’m making Mexican Shredded Beef, Chicken Thighs, or Hawaiian Meatballs, I know that these recipes will be flavorful and turn out beautifully every time I make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sauce, Baby: It’s the sauce, baby! The meatballs are looked in a rich ketchup base sauce that’s sweet, tangy with a little “something” special from the bourbon.
- So Fast To Make: They are prepped and ready to cook in just 5 minutes.
- Versatile: Bourbon meatballs are ideal to serve in so many ways! As an appetizer when you’re entertaining, for the holidays, on game day, and on the weekends when you’d rather be relaxing instead of cooking.
Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs Ingredients
- Frozen or Homemade Meatballs are the star of the show. Any kind you like will work, or you can make your own meatballs using my simple recipe. These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen until you’re ready to enjoy them.
- The magic sauce consists of Ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and bourbon.
- Red pepper flakes and garlic give the sauce a little kick. I always mince fresh garlic for the biggest punch of flavor. Pre-minced garlic is much milder than fresh chopped.
Recipe Variations
- Bourbon Swap: You can use whiskey in place of bourbon if needed.
- Less Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, omit the red pepper flakes. You can always add them at the end if you decide you do want some heat.
- Honey Substitutes: If you don’t have honey, brown sugar will work, too.
Step By Step Directions
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add the Meatballs: Add the meatballs and the sauce to the crockpot and cook.
- Stir and Serve: When done, stir the meatballs and serve them!
How Long Do You Cook This Crock Pot Meatball Recipe?
Using a slower cooker is easy because you just set it and forget it. I’m always a little giddy over the fact that I’m “cooking but not cooking” when using this workhorse in the kitchen.
You can cook the Bourbon Meatballs on two different settings:
- LOW for 4-5 hours
- HIGH for 3-4 hours
Ready to find the perfect slow cooker for your kitchen? You’ll love my comprehensive Crock Pot buying guide to help you choose.
Love Meatballs? Try These Recipes
My family loves meatballs of any kind and flavor! Our favorites are Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, Homemade Meatballs with sauce, Party Meatballs, and Game Day Crock Pot Meatballs.
How To Store Leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs
The cooked meatballs and any leftover sauce store well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store in a resealable container then reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cooked meatballs and any leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store them in a resealable container and reheat before serving.
Yes, it does! After about 3-hours of cooking, there’s less than a trace of alcohol left in any recipe you make using bourbon. What you’ll get is a rich, mellow flavor in the sauce that you’ll love.
Yes, you can keep these in the freezer for up to 3 months. I would thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
For a full appetizer spread, serve these meatballs with these Cream Cheese Sausage Balls and creamy Southern Deviled Eggs. If you want to enjoy these as an easy dinner, you can serve bourbon meatballs with Quinoa in the Rice Cooker and Skillet Green Beans.
More Crock Pot Recipes
If you tried this Crock Pot Bourbon Meatball Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs
- 2 cups ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup bourbon
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- In a medium-size mixing bowl, add ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, red pepper flakes and garlic. Whisk together.
- Add meatballs to the Crock Pot. Pour sauce over and stir to coat the meatballs. Place lid on and set the timer to 4-5 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH.
- When timer goes off, gently stir meatballs in sauce and serve.
Notes
- Bourbon Swap: You can use whiskey in place of bourbon if needed.
- Less Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, omit the red pepper flakes. You can always add them at the end if you decide you do want some heat.
- Honey Substitutes: If you don’t have honey, brown sugar will work, too.
Nutrition
Want To Know More About Slow Cooking?
If you are new to cooking with a Crock Pot or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using a slow cooker like a pro!
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Dear Donya, made the bourbon meatballs last night, cut the recipe in half (just 2 of us) so quick and easy, and super delicious. Loved that I had all the ingredients in my pantry.
So happy to hear they were a hit! I just love recipes that use common items! Enjoy! ~Donya
The bag of frozen meatballs is 22 ounces. Can I use two bags or won’t there be enough sauce?
Use the servings calculator on the recipe card to adjust the ingredients.
~Donya
What could I sub the ketchup out for? Need to reduce the sugars. Thanks
Maybe try tomato puree. If you try it, let me know!
~Donya
Do you think this would work with Irish whiskey instead of bourbon? Is there a certain brand of meatballs you recommend if using store bought?
I was a little hesitant when I started because the sauce didn’t smell that good. Once it cooked it thickened up and was outstanding! I only added a dash of hot pepper, next time I’ll kick it up a notch. I also used honey bourbon.