Easy Crockpot Cola Meatballs
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With just three ingredients, these Easy Crockpot Cola Meatballs couldn’t be simpler to make. They are perfect as an easy appetizer for parties, game day, or holiday gatherings, and they also make a simple dinner when served over hot rice with a vegetable on the side.
There is hardly any prep involved. Just stir together your favorite barbecue sauce and cola in the slow cooker, then add the frozen meatballs and toss until coated. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, and that is all there is to it.
As the meatballs cook, the barbecue sauce and cola combine into a sweet, tangy sauce that coats every bite. It is one of those easy slow cooker recipes that takes little effort but still delivers plenty of flavor.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Cola Meatballs
- FROZEN MEATBALLS – Frozen meatballs make this recipe especially easy because you don’t need to thaw or cook them first. Beef, turkey, or homestyle meatballs will all work, depending on the flavor you prefer.
- BBQ SAUCE – Barbecue sauce creates the flavorful base for the meatballs and adds sweetness, tanginess, and smoky flavor. Use your favorite brand or style, from sweet and mild to bold and smoky.
- COLA – Cola thins the barbecue sauce and adds extra sweetness as the meatballs cook. It also helps create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the meatballs well.
- COOKED RICE (IF SERVING AS A MAIN DISH) – Rice turns these meatballs from an appetizer into a more filling meal. Spoon the meatballs and plenty of sauce over hot cooked rice for an easy dinner.
INSTRUCTIONS for Easy Crockpot Cola Meatballs
Pour the barbecue sauce and cola into the slow cooker. Stir until the two are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
Add the frozen meatballs and gently stir until they are evenly coated in the barbecue-cola mixture.
Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until the meatballs are heated through and coated in the sauce.
Serve the meatballs warm as an easy appetizer, or spoon them over hot cooked rice for a simple main dish. Be sure to add some extra sauce from the slow cooker on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?
No. You can add the frozen meatballs straight to the slow cooker, which keeps this recipe especially easy.
What kind of meatballs work best?
Frozen beef, turkey, homestyle, or Italian-style meatballs can all work. For the most neutral flavor, homestyle meatballs are a good choice.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky, honey, or hickory-style sauces all work well and will slightly change the finished flavor.
What kind of cola should I use?
Regular cola works best. You can use Coke, Pepsi, or a store brand, depending on what you have on hand.
Can I use diet cola?
You can, but regular cola usually gives the sauce better sweetness and flavor as it cooks.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Cook them as directed, then refrigerate and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
How do I turn them into a main dish?
Serve the meatballs and extra sauce over hot cooked rice. Mashed potatoes or noodles would also work.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker.
Tips and Tricks
- Add the meatballs straight from the freezer. No need to thaw them first. Adding them frozen keeps prep quick and easy.
- Use a BBQ sauce you already love. With only a few ingredients, the barbecue sauce flavor really stands out. Choose one that is sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy depending on your preference.
- Stir once or twice while they cook. If you are around, give the meatballs a gentle stir so they stay evenly coated in the sauce.
- Let the sauce thicken if needed. If the sauce seems too thin at the end, remove the lid and cook a little longer so some of the liquid evaporates.
- Keep them warm for serving. If you are serving these as an appetizer, switch the slow cooker to warm once they are heated through. This keeps them hot and ready to serve without overcooking them.
For more recipes like this, try:
- Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
- Easy Frozen Meatball Pot Roast
- Slow Cooker Meatball Tortellini Soup
- Easy Smoked BBQ Meatballs
Easy Crockpot Cola Meatballs
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 18 oz bottle barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cola I usually just use store brand
- 28 oz frozen meatballs
- cooked rice if serving as a main dish
Instructions
- Add the BBQ sauce and cola to the crockpot. Stir together until combined.
- Add in the frozen meatballs and stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until heated through.
- Serve the meatballs as an appetizer or serve them over cooked rice for a main dish. This makes 25 servings for an appetizer or 6 as a main dish.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Crayons and Cravings.
