Print

Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs Recipe

4.4 from 65 reviews

These Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs combine the sweet fizz of root beer with tangy barbecue sauce and a hint of Worcestershire for a deliciously moist and flavorful appetizer or meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, they’re perfect for parties or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 32 ounces frozen fully cooked meatballs

Sauce

  • 1½ cups root beer
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Thickener

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs into the slow cooker in an even layer, ensuring they have room to cook evenly.
  2. Add Root Beer: Pour the root beer over the meatballs, allowing the sweet soda to soak in and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Mix in the Sauces: Stir in brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce thoroughly to combine all the flavors into a harmonious sauce coating the meatballs.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Make the Thickener: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, which will be used to thicken the sauce at the end.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the meatballs and sauce. Continue cooking with the lid off until the sauce thickens to a glossy, rich consistency.
  7. Serve: Once thickened, serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or main dish, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Notes

  • Use frozen fully cooked meatballs for convenience and even cooking.
  • You can substitute the root beer with cola for a slightly different flavor.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with a splash of water or additional root beer.
  • These meatballs pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Keywords: root beer meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker appetizer, easy party recipe, sweet and savory meatballs