Name: Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

These Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs are a deliciously sweet and tangy appetizer or main dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Combining the unique flavor of root beer with barbecue sauce creates a rich glaze that complements the tender meatballs perfectly. Set it and forget it for a crowd-pleasing treat!

A bowl full of shiny, orange-brown meatballs covered in a sticky sauce with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The meatballs are round and piled high inside a white bowl with a smooth texture and simple shape. Behind the bowl, there is a glass of dark brown iced drink and a blurred bottle with a yellow label. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface with a beige cloth underneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Use diet root beer or a sugar-free version to reduce sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
Try substituting barbecue sauce with your favorite homemade version for a personalized touch.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons mixed with water.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency.

How to Serve

A bowl full of round, shiny meatballs covered in a thick, bright orange sauce with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The meatballs are tightly packed in a deep white bowl with a rough texture on the inside. Steam rises gently from the warm meatballs, making them look fresh and hot. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth and some blurred bottles in the background, adding to the cozy setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use homemade cooked meatballs. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker. Adjust cooking time as needed, since they won’t need as long as frozen meatballs to heat through.

Is it necessary to use root beer?

Root beer adds a unique sweetness and depth to the sauce, but you can substitute with other soda like cola or ginger ale if preferred. This will slightly change the flavor but still result in a delicious dish.