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Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs

Slow Cooker Cheddar BBQ Meatballs
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/slow-cooker-cheddar-bbq-meatballs/