3 Ingredient Meatballs – slow cooker Detroit Style Meatballs – easiest, most delicious party appetizer! Tender, juicy meatballs in a sweet-savory sauce made with Vernor’s ginger ale and bbq sauce.
The most popular appetizer at the party – and first to disappear – is the easiest to make with just 5 minutes of prep time. Three ingredients + one slow cooker = tender, saucy meatballs. Just pop in a toothpick and you’re game ready!
Adding Vernors makes these meatballs Detroit style. Party meatballs are perfect for watching the big game, any holiday party or an easy weeknight meal.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- Easy appetizer! If you can turn on a slow cooker and add 3 ingredients to it, you can make these meatballs.
- Perfect for parties – they’re easy meatballs to make even if it’s your first time.
- This recipe works with homemade meatballs including turkey or chicken.
- The best part – this delicious recipe is the perfect appetizer — or add some mashed potatoes for a main course.
- There are just 2 ingredients in the sweet-tangy sauce.
TIPS FOR THE BEST 3 INGREDIENT SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS:
Use bite–size meatballs so they cook fast and are easy to eat.
Don’t overthink the process. Just add 3 simple ingredients to the crockpot, turn it on and relax.
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid from the slow cooker for the last 20-30 minutes of cook time.
Make a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd – they’re always the first appetizer to disappear -plus they reheat well!
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS, INCREDIBLE FLAVOR:
- Bag of frozen meatballs (any brand – I prefer all beef)
- Your favorite BBQ Sauce (mine is Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet & Spicy)
- Detroit’s own Vernors – use ginger ale if it’s not available to you
HOW TO MAKE 3 INGREDIENT SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS:
Add barbecue sauce and Vernors to the slow cooker Stir to blend then add frozen meatballs to the sauce (no need to thaw!), turning to coat them.
Cover and cook on HIGH 2 hours or until warmed through.
For a thicker sauce for your meatballs, remove the lid from the slow cooker after 2 hours and continue cooking 15-20 minutes to let some of the moisture escape.
Switch the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting and serve from there or transfer to a bowl. Either way, add toothpicks or small forks.
VARIATIONS TO THIS RECIPE:
- If you can’t find Vernors, use any brand of ginger ale.
- Try cranberry sauce or even apricot jelly instead of BBQ sauce.
- Make your own homemade meatballs with ground beef – or turkey meatballs if you’re trying to avoid processed foods.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS:
Cool leftover meatballs completely then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. You can also freeze these meatballs in a freezer safe container. Store up to 3 months for best flavor.
LOOKING FOR MORE MEATBALL RECIPES?
These include air fryer, stovetop and slow cooker meatballs recipes:
3 Ingredient Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Enjoy!
Best 3 Ingredient Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 26 ounce frozen meatballs all beef used.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Sweet Baby Ray Sweet & Spicy used
- 1/2 cup Vernors ginger ale regular or diet work
Instructions
- Add barbecue sauce and Vernors ginger ale to the slow cooker Stir to blend then add frozen meatballs to the sauce (no need to thaw!), turning to coat them.
- Cover and cook on HIGH 2 hours or until warmed through (may vary with the size of the meatballs).If you like a thicker sauce for your meatballs, remove the lid from the slow cooker after 2 hours and continue cooking 15-20 minutes to let some of the moisture escape.
- Serve warm with toothpicks.
Best party appetizer!