These Crockpot Brown Sugar Bourbon Meatballs are the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly super easy. Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to juicy meatballs swimming in a sticky-sweet bourbon glaze. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a cozy dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s a personal favorite. I first made it for a holiday get-together and watched people literally scrape the bowl clean. The sweet-and-smoky bourbon glaze clings to the meatballs and tastes like something from a fancy appetizer menu. But really, it’s just a few pantry staples and a bag of frozen meatballs.
- No prep beyond mixing the sauce
- That rich bourbon flavor cooks down beautifully
- Makes your house smell amazing
- Works as an appetizer or main course
- Freezer-friendly
Servings and Cook Time
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW or 1.5–2 hours on HIGH
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The sugar in the brown sugar and BBQ sauce caramelizes slowly, bonding with the alcohol in the bourbon and creating a thick, syrupy glaze. The slow cooker’s low, moist heat keeps the meatballs juicy while allowing the sauce to thicken without burning.
Common Mistakes
- Using raw meatballs: This is made for frozen, fully-cooked ones. Raw meatballs can make the sauce greasy.
- Not mixing the sauce separately: Mixing everything in the crockpot can lead to uneven flavor or sugar clumps.
- Too much bourbon: Stick to the amount listed—too much and the alcohol flavor won’t cook off properly.
What You’ll Need
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup bourbon
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Pro Tips
- Use a bold BBQ sauce to balance the sweetness
- Let the bourbon simmer with the other sauce ingredients before adding to crockpot for a deeper flavor
- Give it a quick stir halfway through cooking to coat everything evenly
- Add a splash of hot sauce if you like a kick
- Let it rest 10 minutes before serving—sauce thickens more as it cools
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (6-quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Silicone spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use turkey or chicken meatballs
- Swap bourbon for apple juice or beef broth if you want it alcohol-free
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a twist
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the sauce a day in advance and store in the fridge
- Assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, then start cooking the next day
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Add Frozen Meatballs to Crockpot
Place 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen fully-cooked meatballs into the crockpot in an even layer.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup bourbon
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Meatballs
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the frozen meatballs in the crockpot. Don’t stir—just let it sit on top for now.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender and Glazed
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, until meatballs are hot through and the sauce is thick and sticky. Stir gently before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer meatballs to a shallow serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in the fridge up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—thaw in fridge overnight before reheating
Conclusion
These Crockpot Brown Sugar Bourbon Meatballs are sweet, smoky, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a holiday, or game day, they’ll be gone in no time. Give them a try and let me know how yours turn out in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think!
What to Serve With
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Garlic butter rice
- Slider buns for mini sandwiches
- A crunchy coleslaw
FAQ
Can I make this without bourbon?
Yes! Apple juice or beef broth makes a great non-alcoholic swap.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Totally—just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the crockpot.
Is this super sweet?
It’s sweet, but the bourbon and BBQ sauce help balance it. Use a tangy BBQ sauce to cut the sweetness.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker can hold everything evenly without overfilling.