Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbecue Meatballs Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s ridiculously easy to make, and the combination of honey barbecue and chipotle flavor brings a sweet and smoky kick that’s totally irresistible. Plus, as a millennial constantly on the go, I appreciate that I can just toss everything in the slow cooker and have a mouthwatering meal ready without any fuss!

I adore making recipes that merge sweet and smoky flavors, and my Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbecue Meatballs embody that. The tender meatballs are beautifully bathed in a barbecue sauce that’s rich beyond belief.

The sauce is a wonderful blend of traditional barbecue sauce, honey (which makes absolutely everything better), adobo sauce (a smoky wet marinade used in Mexican cooking), and spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder.

Ingredients

Barbecue Sauce:
Imparts a sweet smokiness, a sweetness that is also tangy.

Honey:
Sweetness derived from nature along with a silky mouthfeel.

Adobo Sauce:
Provides warmth and a rich, smoky flavor.

Smoked Paprika:
Boosts with a deep, smoky taste.

Worcestershire Sauce:
Contributes umami and tanginess.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Place the meatballs, still frozen, in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout.

2. In a bowl, blend the barbecue sauce, honey, adobo sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until you have a nice, homogeneous mixture.

3. Add to the sauce mixture the following ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until all spices are fully combined and integrated into the sauce.

4. Ensure that all of the meatballs are suffused with the sauce combination by pouring it over the top and allowing it to trickle down.

5. Stir the meatballs gently to distribute the sauce evenly.

6. Put the lid on the slow cooker.

7. Simmer on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be heated through and tender by the end of either cooking time.

8. During cooking, stir the meatballs around occasionally to ensure that they are evenly coated and heated through.

9. When you have finished cooking, taste and amend the seasonings if necessary.

10. Hot meatballs are best served and taste quite delicious. If their appearance pleases the diner, this is an advantage but is not a necessity. Serve the meatballs piping hot, with fresh herbs or kitchen staples like crushed red pepper for garnish, if that budges your appearance scale. And as always, enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Whisk or spoon (for mixing)
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spatula or large spoon (for stirring meatballs)

FAQ

• Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?You can use fresh meatballs, but modify the cooking time to allow them to cook through.
• How spicy are these meatballs?The adobo sauce lends a mild to moderate heat. For a not-as-spicy version, use less adobo or replace it with a milder sauce.
• Can I prepare these meatballs in advance?Certainly! Here it is, reworded:

  Absolutely; make them in advance and keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as 3 days. Warm them up before you dish them out.

• Is it possible to make these without a slow cooker?Certainly! They can be cooked on the hob over low heat, where they will simmer until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened.
• What kind of barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?Use your most cherished barbecue sauce. Smoky or sweet varieties complement the chipotle flavors well.
• Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?Certainly! The flavor and texture can be enhanced by adding diced bell peppers or onion.
• What’s a good side dish for these meatballs?Accompany with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup barbecue sauce: You can replace with 1 cup ketchup mixed with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 2 teaspoons vinegar for a homemade version.
1/2 cup honey: Swap in 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar for an entirely different flavor/profile of sweetness.
2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers: Substitute with a mixture of hot sauce and smoked paprika for a smoky heat. This combination provides the flavor profile necessary to mimic adobo sauce but with a bit less complexity.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, substitute with 1 tablespoon tamari or coconut aminos.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: If you don’t have smoked paprika, use regular paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne for the same smoky kick.

Pro Tips

1. Add Fresh Ingredients for Extra Flavor Enhance the flavor by adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, right before serving. This adds a fresh and vibrant touch that complements the rich sauce.

2. Customize the Heat Level If you prefer more spice, include some chopped chipotle peppers along with the adobo sauce. Conversely, if you’d like it milder, reduce the amount of adobo sauce or mix it with some water before adding it to the sauce.

3. Experiment with Different BBQ Sauces Different barbecue sauces can bring various flavors to the dish. Try smoky, spicy, or even sweet barbecue sauces to see which best suits your taste preference.

4. Add a Citrus Twist For a hint of brightness and balance to the sweetness, squeeze in a little lime or lemon juice just before serving. The acidity will enhance the flavors and add a refreshing note.

5. Caramelize the Sauce For additional depth of flavor, briefly cook the sauce mixture in a skillet over medium heat before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to meld the flavors and slightly caramelize the sugars in the barbecue sauce and honey.