If you’re searching for that perfect crowd-pleaser that combines cheesy goodness with tangy barbecue flavor, look no further than Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs. This dish is a fantastic blend of juicy meatballs infused with sharp cheddar and coated in rich BBQ sauce, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want an easy, comforting meal, these meatballs deliver bold flavors, effortless preparation, and a satisfying cheesy twist that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking: Prepare all ingredients, set your slow cooker, and come back to a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish.
Cheese-packed flavor: Cheddar melts inside the meatballs, adding gooey richness with every bite.
Versatile crowd-pleaser: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party snack that guests will rave about.
Balanced sweet and tangy BBQ taste: The sauce enhances the meatballs without overpowering the cheddar flavor.
Comfort food made easy: Combines classic favorites into one dish, ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to enhance texture, flavor, and color. These essentials come together seamlessly to bring out a delicious balance of cheesy, smoky, and tangy notes.

Ground beef: Choose lean to keep meatballs juicy but not greasy.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds melty, creamy pockets of flavor inside each meatball.
BBQ sauce: Bring that signature sweet and tangy taste that ties the dish together.
Breadcrumbs: Keeps meatballs tender and prevents them from falling apart.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all ingredients together perfectly.
Garlic and onion powder: Essential to build a savory depth of flavor without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to elevate every ingredient.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds subtle umami complexity to each meatball.

Variations for Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to adapt for dietary restrictions, spice levels, or ingredient availability, here are some flavorful ideas to customize your batch.

Swap protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner option with the same cheesy BBQ appeal.
Add extra spices: Incorporate smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky or spicy kick.
Change the cheese: Try pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt inside.
Vegan tweak: Use plant-based meat substitutes and dairy-free cheddar alternatives.
Include veggies: Finely diced bell peppers or jalapeños can add crunch and freshness.

Why Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Win

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, shredded sharp cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1 ½ to 2-inch meatballs, making sure each is uniform for even cooking and consistent cheesy pockets inside.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

For extra flavor and texture, quickly brown the meatballs in a hot skillet before transferring to the slow cooker, but you can skip this step to save time.

Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce

Pour half of your favorite BBQ sauce into the slow cooker and gently place the meatballs in, then pour the remaining sauce on top to coat evenly.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and the cheddar is deliciously melted inside.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs

Use sharp cheddar: It melts well and adds a piquant flavor without being overpowering.
Don’t overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep meatballs tender, not dense.
Choose quality BBQ sauce: A good sauce elevates the dish’s sweetness and smokiness.
Pre-browning adds depth: While optional, searing meatballs boosts flavor and seals in juices.
Keep meatballs uniform: Ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker without drying out.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs

Garnishes

Add fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the top right before serving to inject color and a mild freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich BBQ flavors.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or even a crisp coleslaw that offers a nice crunchy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties, or serve over cooked rice or pasta to turn them into a hearty meal everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making meal prep or quick snacks a breeze.

Freezing

Allow meatballs to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, ensuring the cheddar remains melty.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without cheddar cheese?

Absolutely! While the cheddar adds a delicious melty surprise, you can omit it or substitute with another cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

What slow cooker size is best for this recipe?

A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly to hold the meatballs with enough space so they can cook evenly without overcrowding.

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs, but extend the cooking time by about an hour on low to ensure they are heated all the way through and cheesy inside.

Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this recipe safe without sacrificing texture or flavor.

How spicy are Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs?

They are mild by default, but you can easily add heat with jalapeños, cayenne, or spicy BBQ sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs truly capture the joy of comfort food with a fuss-free twist. Their cheesy centers paired with tangy BBQ sauce will quickly make this recipe a favorite for casual dinners, celebrations, and everything in between. Give them a try and watch how these tender, flavorful meatballs become your go-to dish for any occasion!

Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs combine juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese and coated in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce. This comforting, easy-to-make dish is perfect for parties or weeknight dinners, delivering cheesy, smoky, and savory flavors with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, these meatballs offer a delightful balance of sharp cheddar richness and balanced BBQ flavor that everyone will love.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low) to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Slow cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, shredded sharp cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just incorporated to avoid making the meatballs tough.
Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform 1 ½ to 2-inch meatballs to ensure even cooking and consistent cheesy pockets in each meatball.
Brown the Meatballs (Optional): For enhanced flavor and texture, quickly sear the meatballs in a hot skillet until browned. This step can be skipped to save time.
Add BBQ Sauce: Pour half of the BBQ sauce into the slow cooker. Place the meatballs gently on top and then pour the remaining BBQ sauce over them, coating evenly.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and the cheddar is melted inside.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for optimal melt and piquant flavor.
Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
Choose a quality BBQ sauce for balanced sweetness and smokiness.
Pre-browning meatballs is optional but adds extra depth of flavor and seals juices.
Keep meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 280
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, cheddar meatballs, BBQ meatballs, cheesy meatballs, party appetizers, comfort food, easy slow cooker recipe