Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These crockpot root beer meatballs are a sweet, saucy, and simple appetizer perfect for parties and game days. Made with frozen meatballs simmered in a sticky root beer barbecue sauce, they require minimal effort and deliver big flavor. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the gathering!

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

1. Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Pour the root beer over the meatballs.
3. Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir this mixture into the meatballs.
6. Step 6: Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use regular (non-diet) root beer for the best sweetness and sauce texture.
• If the sauce is too thick, stir in a small splash of root beer to loosen it.
• Substitute Dr Pepper for root beer for a slightly different flavor.
• Try honey in place of brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy barbecue sauce for a kick.
• Homemade meatballs can be used if fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the slow cooker on low, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce heats evenly and stays glossy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs work well as long as they are fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker to avoid any food safety risks.

Why should I use regular root beer instead of diet?

The sugar in regular root beer is essential for both the sweet flavor and for thickening the sauce. Diet sodas won’t produce the same sticky, glossy texture.

Crockpot Root Beer Meatballs Recipe

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These crockpot root beer meatballs are a sweet and sticky appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or potlucks. Fully cooked frozen meatballs simmer gently in a glossy root beer barbecue sauce, creating a tender and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: lina
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Thickener

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Add Meatballs: Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs into the slow cooker to form the base of the dish.
2. Add Root Beer: Pour 1½ cups of regular root beer over the meatballs to add sweetness and depth as it simmers.
3. Mix in Sauce Ingredients: Stir in ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup barbecue sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce until all ingredients are fully combined and coat the meatballs evenly.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water, then stir this mixture into the meatballs to help thicken the sauce.
6. Final Cook: Continue cooking in the slow cooker until the sauce thickens to a glossy and spoonable consistency. Serve warm.

Notes

• The sauce will thicken further as it cools; a slightly loose sauce after cooking is normal.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sauce from sticking or burning at the edges of the crockpot.
• Use regular root beer for optimal flavor and sweetness; diet varieties lack sufficient sugar for proper sauce texture.
• If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it by stirring in a small splash of root beer.
• Keep meatballs on the warm setting when serving for parties to maintain glossiness and scoopability.
• Substitute Dr Pepper for root beer for a different sweet flavor, or use honey instead of brown sugar.
• Homemade fully cooked meatballs can be used; ensure they are cooked before adding to crockpot.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat, use spicy barbecue sauce for extra kick, or stir in ketchup for more tangy sweetness.

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, root beer meatballs, party appetizers, slow cooker recipes, sweet meatballs, easy party food