Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and effortless to prepare? Meet the Slow Cooker Chipotle BBQ Meatballs—a savory delight that combines the rich, smoky taste of chipotle with tender, juicy meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights or your next gathering, these mouthwatering morsels are sure to impress your family and friends. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve with minimal effort. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chipotle BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 egg, 1 cup chipotle BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and the egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning later, so start with a small amount.
- Once the mixture is seasoned, form it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
- In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the meatballs.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker. If you skipped browning, you can place them directly into the slow cooker without any additional steps.
- Pour the 1 cup of chipotle BBQ sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Make sure each meatball is coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. Ensure that the lid is secured to retain moisture and heat.
- After 6 hours, check the meatballs for doneness. They should be cooked through and tender. If they are not fully cooked, you can leave them in the slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle additional chipotle BBQ sauce over the meatballs if desired, and garnish with extra chopped parsley for presentation.
- Serve the chipotle BBQ meatballs warm, either on their own or as a filling for sliders, with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality ground beef and your favorite brand of chipotle BBQ sauce. This will enhance the overall taste of your meatballs.
- Don’t Skip Browning: While browning the meatballs is optional, it adds a depth of flavor that makes a significant difference. Take the extra few minutes for a more robust taste!
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the meatball mixture.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance. Form the meatballs and refrigerate them overnight before cooking, making it even easier to serve on a busy day.
- Serve Creatively: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them as appetizers with toothpicks, on sliders, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. The possibilities are endless!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make great sandwiches or can be added to pasta dishes for a quick meal the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 299kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
