Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs Recipe

Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and rich flavors, making them an irresistible option for parties, game days, or cozy family dinners. Tender meatballs simmer in a glossy bourbon-infused sauce that thickens beautifully over time, soaking into every bite. This hands-off recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you.

Why You’ll Love These Bourbon Meatballs

This recipe stands out because it combines classic comfort food with a touch of indulgence. The bourbon adds depth rather than overpowering sweetness, while slow cooking ensures juicy meatballs and a sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.

• Perfect for parties and potlucks
• Easy dump-and-go slow cooker method
• Sweet, smoky, and savory flavor profile
• Can be served as an appetizer or main dish
• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 1½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Bourbon Sauce

• ¾ cup bourbon
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as that can make the meatballs dense.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 2–3 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 4: Make the Bourbon Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ground mustard, and red pepper flakes until smooth.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Meatballs

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the bourbon sauce over them. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible, to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.

How the Sauce Thickens

As the meatballs cook, the sauce gradually reduces and thickens, becoming glossy and rich. If you prefer an extra-thick sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook on high for 10–15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an appetizer with toothpicks
• Over mashed potatoes or buttered rice
• Inside slider buns for bourbon meatball sandwiches
• With roasted vegetables for a complete meal
• Alongside coleslaw or cornbread

Tips for the Best Bourbon Meatballs

• Use a good-quality bourbon for a smoother flavor
• Brown sugar can be adjusted based on the sweetness preference
• Browning the meatballs adds depth, but it isn’t mandatory
• Stir gently to avoid breaking the meatballs
• Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for 10 minutes before serving for maximum flavor absorption

Variations and Substitutions

Honey Bourbon Meatballs

Replace half of the brown sugar with honey for a lighter, floral sweetness.

Spicy Bourbon Meatballs

Add extra red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of hot sauce for heat.

Chicken or Turkey Meatballs

Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Add an extra tablespoon of oil or milk to maintain moisture.

Alcohol-Free Option

Substitute bourbon with apple juice or beef broth plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a similar depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the alcohol cook off in the slow cooker?

Yes, most of the alcohol evaporates during the long cooking process, leaving behind a deep, rich flavor rather than an alcoholic taste.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, fully cooked frozen meatballs work well. Add them directly to the slow cooker and increase cooking time by about 30 minutes.

Are bourbon meatballs sweet or savory?

They are a balanced combination of both, with sweetness from brown sugar and ketchup and savory depth from soy sauce and Worcestershire.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. These meatballs taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a comforting dinner, or looking for an easy make-ahead dish, these meatballs check every box. Tender, saucy, and packed with sweet-savory goodness, they’re sure to become a staple in your slow cooker recipe collection.