Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs are sweet, saucy, and incredibly easy to make. With frozen meatballs simmered in a sticky root beer barbecue sauce, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 1½ cups root beer
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Pour the root beer over the meatballs.
- Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the meatballs.
- Step 6: Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use regular root beer (not diet) to ensure the right sweetness and texture in the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a small splash of root beer to loosen it.
- Try substituting Dr Pepper for root beer for a slightly different sweet flavor.
- Honey can replace brown sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce for a bit of heat.
- Homemade meatballs work well—just be sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the crockpot.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on low in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs can be used as long as they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot. This ensures they heat through without being undercooked.
Why is regular root beer recommended instead of diet?
The sugar in regular root beer contributes sweetness and helps create the sticky, glossy sauce texture. Diet root beer lacks the sugar needed for this effect and may alter the flavor and consistency.
PrintCrockpot Root Beer Meatballs Recipe
These Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs are a sweet, sticky, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, game days, and potlucks. Fully cooked frozen meatballs simmer in a glossy root beer barbecue sauce, creating an easy, hands-off dish that kids and adults will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 32 ounces frozen fully cooked meatballs
Sauce
- 1½ cups root beer (regular, not diet)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Add Meatballs: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs directly into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
- Add Root Beer: Pour 1½ cups of regular root beer over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
- Mix Sauce: Stir in ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup barbecue sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce until everything is thoroughly combined, creating a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Final Cook: Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a sticky, glossy consistency. Serve the meatballs warm straight from the crockpot.
Notes
- The sauce thickens further as it cools; it may look slightly loose initially.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sauce from burning or sticking to the slow cooker edges.
- Use only regular (non-diet) root beer as sugar is crucial for flavor and sauce texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it by stirring in a small splash of root beer.
- Keep meatballs on the warm setting during parties to maintain glossiness and scoopability.
- Dr Pepper can substitute root beer for a different sweet flavor.
- Honey can substitute brown sugar.
- Homemade fully cooked meatballs may be used instead of frozen.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy barbecue sauce for heat, or ketchup for extra tang and sweetness.
Keywords: root beer meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker appetizers, party food, easy meatballs, sweet and tangy meatballs, game day snacks
