Irresistible Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs: Your New Party Favorite (Print Version)
How to make tender, juicy Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs with a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that are perfect for any gathering.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 8-12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Omnivore
# Ingredients:
→ Meatball Base
01 -
2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
04 -
1/2 cup whole milk
05 -
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Bourbon Sauce Flavor Builders
07 -
1/2 cup good quality bourbon
08 -
1 cup ketchup
09 -
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
10 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce
11 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
→ Seasonings
12 -
1 teaspoon salt
13 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Finishing Touches
15 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 -
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine ground beef, panko, egg, milk, onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing leads to tough meatballs. This is the base for your delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs.
02 -
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them directly into your Crock Pot. Don't worry about browning them first; the slow cooker will ensure they cook through beautifully. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
03 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar dissolves. This creates the perfect sticky, sweet, and savory sauce for these Irresistible Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs.
04 -
Pour the bourbon sauce evenly over the meatballs in the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure all the Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs are coated in that delicious sauce.
05 -
Once cooked, the meatballs should be tender and the sauce thickened. If desired, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce further, intensifying the flavor. Let them rest briefly.
06 -
Transfer the Irresistible Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds, if using. Serve warm with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer or over rice for a delicious meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Gently mix meatball base until just combined to prevent tough, dense meatballs.
02 -
Store leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
03 -
Whiskey or non-alcoholic bourbon extract can substitute for bourbon, but flavor will differ.
04 -
Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, or with rice or mashed potatoes for a meal.
05 -
Form raw meatballs up to 24 hours ahead; store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Crock Pot (slow cooker)
02 -
measuring cups and spoons
03 -
large mixing bowls
04 -
whisk
05 -
serving dish
06 -
toothpicks
07 -
airtight container
08 -
platter
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 325
Total Fat: 17g
Total Carbohydrate: 21g
Protein: 17g