Can I skip browning the meatballs before adding them to the Crock Pot?

Technically, yes—but browning adds a fantastic caramelized flavor and helps the meatballs hold together. If you’re truly rushed, you can skip this step, but you’ll miss that extra depth.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for this recipe?

Go with what you love! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—just pick one with a bold flavor, since the sauce is front and center here. Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate overnight before browning, or even freeze raw, shaped meatballs and cook directly from frozen (just add 30–60 minutes to the Crock Pot time).

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined, use enough oats (or breadcrumbs) and egg for binding, and don’t skip the initial sear in the skillet. Handle the meatballs gently when transferring them into the Crock Pot.

Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Name: Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. lean hamburger; 1/4 cup old fashioned oats; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1/2 tsp. diced garlic; 2 tsp. Dijon mustard; 1 egg; Pinch of salt; Non-stick cooking spray (for skillet and Crock Pot); 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce

Sink your teeth into incredibly juicy, cheesy, and sweet-tangy Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs! This dish is a weeknight dream—hearty, crowd-pleasing, and so easy, you’ll barely break a sweat in the kitchen. Thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can serve up irresistible meatballs coated in a luscious cheddar and barbecue sauce, perfect for busy evenings, no-stress game days, or potluck gatherings. Every bite is a flavor bomb—balanced with the smokiness of barbecue sauce, the slight sharpness of cheddar, and a punch of savory goodness from onions, garlic, and Dijon. If you’ve got 10 minutes to prep and a Crock Pot, you’re already halfway there.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The Crock Pot takes care of all the heavy lifting, so hands-on time is almost nothing.
Family-Friendly: Cheddar and BBQ sauce quickly win over even the pickiest eaters.
One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal prep, no fancy equipment, and just one mixing bowl (hello, easy cleanup).
Crowd Pleaser: These meatballs are equally perfect as a fun appetizer, party snack, or main course.
Make Ahead Magic: Prep ahead for hectic nights, and they’re fantastic for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need to make rich, cheesy BBQ meatballs—plus a few pro tips.

Lean Ground Hamburger: Stick to lean for the best texture; just enough fat for flavor, not grease.
Old Fashioned Oats: Acts as a binder, making the meatballs tender and keeping them from falling apart. Use rolled oats, not instant!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For big, melty pockets of cheesy bliss. Pre-shredded works, but shredding from a block melts even better.
Worcestershire Sauce: Layered umami—don’t skip this, it deepens the flavor.
Diced Onions: Adds little bursts of sweetness and moisture.
Diced Garlic: Fresh is best for punchy flavor, but jarred works in a pinch.
Dijon Mustard: Lifts the whole mixture with a mild, tangy heat.
Egg: Essential for binding everything together.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors. Adjust if your BBQ sauce is salty.
Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Rich, smoky, sweet—choose one with flavor you love! Thick sauces work best here.
Non-Stick Spray: For your skillet and the Crock Pot, to prevent stubborn sticking.

Note: If you don’t eat oats, plain breadcrumbs make a fine substitute.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are a few tasty ideas:

Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or blend in ground pork for extra juiciness.
Cheese Twist: Try smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for variety.
Sauce It Up: Swap half (or all) of the BBQ sauce for buffalo, teriyaki, or honey mustard sauce.
Veggie Boost: Add finely grated carrot or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies (kids won’t even notice).
Spicy Kick: Stir a bit of sriracha or chopped jalapeños into the meat mix.
Gluten Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and double-check your BBQ sauce label.

How to Make Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs

Whipping up these meatballs couldn’t be simpler—and you’ll be amazed how little effort goes into such big results.

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and toss in your hamburger, oats, cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, Dijon, egg, and salt. Get in there and mix everything together with your hands—it’s the best way to get the mixture evenly combined.

Step 2: Shape into Meatballs

Scoop out small handfuls and roll into golf ball-sized meatballs. You should get about 24. Don’t overwork the mixture—just enough so they hold together nicely.

Step 3: Brown in a Skillet

Spray a large non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high. Nestle in your meatballs and sear for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through yet, just getting a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Slow Cook with BBQ Sauce

Mist your Crock Pot with non-stick spray. Add the browned (but still undercooked) meatballs, then pour your favorite BBQ sauce right over the top. Pop the lid on.

Step 5: Let the Crock Pot Work Its Magic

Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. The meatballs become juicy, the cheese melts, and the sauce bubbles into every crevice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, serve straight from the pot or transfer to a platter. They’re ready for a fork, toothpicks, or to be nestled in hoagie buns.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: This adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape in the slow cooker.
Mix Gently: Handle the meat mixture just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
Uniform Size: Rolling the meatballs evenly ensures they cook at the same rate and look appetizing.
Sauce Generously: Use extra BBQ sauce for dipping or drizzling at the table.

Tip: To save even more time, prep and shape the meatballs the night before, then brown and slow cook when you’re ready.

How to Serve

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and deserve a little fanfare on your table. Serve them as:

Appetizer

Set out toothpicks for easy snacking—perfect for parties or game days.

Main Course

Pile a few meatballs on a plate with creamy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or over steamed rice.

Sandwiches/Subs

Tuck meatballs into soft buns, spoon over extra sauce, and add pickles or sliced onions for an outrageously good sandwich.

Bowl-Style

Serve in a big bowl with fresh salad greens, roasted veggies, or even over pasta—drizzle with extra sauce for big flavor.

Note: A crunchy slaw or a crisp green salad balances out all the cheesy, smoky richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely, then place in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen and get even better by day two!

Freezing

Transfer cooled meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. If they seem dry, add a splash more BBQ sauce to bring everything back to life.

Pro tip: These reheat like a dream, making them perfect for weekly meal prep, busy nights, or unexpected guests.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the meatballs before adding them to the Crock Pot?

Technically, yes—but browning adds a fantastic caramelized flavor and helps the meatballs hold together. If you’re truly rushed, you can skip this step, but you’ll miss that extra depth.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for this recipe?

Go with what you love! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—just pick one with a bold flavor, since the sauce is front and center here. Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate overnight before browning, or even freeze raw, shaped meatballs and cook directly from frozen (just add 30–60 minutes to the Crock Pot time).
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined, use enough oats (or breadcrumbs) and egg for binding, and don’t skip the initial sear in the skillet. Handle the meatballs gently when transferring them into the Crock Pot.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Cheddar BBQ Meatballs are the definition of comfort made easy—full of robust flavor, cheesy goodness, and sweet-smoky sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or sneaking a midnight snack, this recipe promises huge reward for very little effort. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your tastes, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen—these meatballs are just too delicious to miss! Give them a try, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “meatballs!”