These Crockpot Teriyaki BBQ Meatballs & Lil Smokies (Easy Party Appetizer) are the kind of appetizer that quietly steals the spotlight at every New Year’s or game day gathering. Sweet, smoky barbecue sauce mixed with rich teriyaki creates a glossy, irresistible glaze that coats every meatball and sausage bite. Everything simmers together in the slow cooker, which means just five minutes of prep and then you’re free to enjoy the party.
This is one of my go-to recipes for January entertaining because it’s warm, comforting, and easy to keep out for hours while people snack, mingle, and celebrate. Serve them straight from the crockpot with toothpicks, add a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds if you want to dress them up, and watch them disappear faster than almost anything else on the table. Perfect for New Year’s Eve, football weekends, or anytime you need a no-stress appetizer that everyone loves.
A Little Backstory on This Recipe
There are certain recipes that quietly become part of your family’s routine, the ones you don’t even have to think about anymore because you know they’ll work every single time. These Crockpot Teriyaki BBQ Meatballs & Lil Smokies are one of those recipes in our house. They’re warm, comforting, and always the first thing people gravitate toward when food is set out. Whenever I’m hosting or bringing something to a gathering, especially around New Year’s, football weekends, or holiday parties, this is one of my go-to recipes. My husband loves the sweet and smoky flavor, my daughter thinks anything with little sausages is fun, and my youngest somehow always ends up hovering nearby hoping to grab “just one more.” It’s familiar food, but the teriyaki BBQ combo gives it a little something extra that makes people stop and ask what’s in it.
This is the kind of recipe that lets you enjoy your guests instead of standing in the kitchen all night. Five minutes of prep, one slow cooker, and a whole lot of compliments.
What Is Crockpot Teriyaki BBQ Meatballs & Lil Smokies?
Crockpot Teriyaki BBQ Meatballs & Lil Smokies is a slow cooker appetizer made with frozen meatballs and Lit’l Smokies sausages simmered in a sweet, savory sauce made from barbecue sauce and teriyaki sauce. As everything cooks together, the sauce thickens and coats each bite with a glossy, flavorful glaze.
This recipe is designed to be simple, dependable, and crowd-pleasing. There’s no browning, no chopping, and no complicated steps. Everything goes straight into the crockpot and cooks low and slow until warm, tender, and full of flavor.
It’s the kind of appetizer that works just as well for casual family nights as it does for holidays, parties, and game days.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors without overpowering the meat.
Barbecue sauce brings smokiness and tang, while teriyaki sauce adds sweetness and depth with its soy-based flavor. When combined, the two sauces create a glaze that’s rich but not heavy, sweet but not cloying.
Using frozen meatballs and fully cooked sausages keeps the recipe stress-free and reliable. The slow cooker gently heats everything, allowing the flavors to meld without drying anything out.
Because everything cooks together in one pot, the meat absorbs the sauce as it heats, rather than just being coated at the end. The result is tender, flavorful bites that stay juicy even after hours on warm.
Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do
Frozen homestyle meatballs
These are the heart of the recipe. Fully cooked meatballs save time and hold up well in the slow cooker. Beef meatballs are classic, but turkey or plant-based meatballs also work.
Lit’l Smokies sausages
Add variety, texture, and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
Barbecue sauce
Provides smoky, tangy flavor and forms the backbone of the glaze. A classic BBQ sauce works best here.
Sweet teriyaki sauce
Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the barbecue sauce and creating a glossy finish.
Optional garnishes
Green onions or sesame seeds add color and a little freshness right before serving.
When to Serve This Recipe, Serving Ideas
These Crockpot Teriyaki BBQ Meatballs & Lil Smokies are incredibly versatile.
They’re perfect for New Year’s Eve parties and holiday gatherings.
They work beautifully for football Sundays and game day spreads.
They’re great for potlucks, office parties, and family get-togethers.
They can even be served as a casual dinner over rice or noodles.
Serve them straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks, or spoon them over rice for an easy meal. They also work well as slider fillings or wrapped in warm rolls.
Perfect New Year’s or Holiday Appetizer
This recipe truly shines during New Year’s and holiday entertaining. It’s warm, comforting, and easy to keep out for hours while people snack, mingle, and celebrate.
Because it doesn’t dry out and stays flavorful on the warm setting, it’s ideal for long gatherings where food sits out. You can make it ahead, set it on warm, and focus on enjoying the night instead of worrying about timing.
It’s also easy to transport, making it perfect for holiday potlucks and family gatherings when oven space is limited.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
This recipe is ideal for making ahead.
You can combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. The next day, simply place the insert into the slow cooker and start cooking.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or slow cooker until warmed through.
These meatballs and sausages can also be frozen after cooking. Let them cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this recipe becomes a staple.
It takes five minutes to prep.
It feeds a crowd easily.
It stays warm and delicious for hours.
It works for holidays, parties, and casual dinners.
It’s kid-friendly and adult-approved.
It’s one of those recipes you can count on when you need something easy that still feels special.
FAQ Section
Can I make crockpot teriyaki BBQ meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can either fully cook it in advance and reheat, or assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before and cook fresh the next day. Both methods work well and still produce tender, flavorful meatballs.
What kind of meatballs are best for this recipe?
Fully cooked frozen meatballs work best because they save time and hold their shape in the slow cooker. Beef meatballs are traditional, but turkey or chicken meatballs also work well. Plant-based meatballs can be used for a vegetarian option.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes, homemade meatballs work great, but make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker. Raw meatballs may fall apart during cooking.
Is this recipe sweet or savory?
This recipe is both sweet and savory. The barbecue sauce adds smokiness and tang, while the teriyaki sauce adds sweetness and depth. The balance makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Use a spicy barbecue sauce, add sriracha, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
How long can these meatballs stay in the slow cooker?
Once cooked, they can stay on the warm setting for several hours. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce evenly distributed.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything comfortably.
Are these good for New Year’s Eve?
They’re perfect for New Year’s Eve. They stay warm, don’t dry out, and are easy to eat while mingling.
What should I serve with them?
They’re great on their own, but also pair well with rice, noodles, or slider buns.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free meatballs and gluten-free barbecue and teriyaki sauces.
Why is my sauce too thin?
If the sauce seems thin, leave the lid off the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to help it thicken.
Variations & Substitutions
Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
Use spicy BBQ sauce for more heat.
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
Use plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.
Add garlic or ginger for extra depth.
Leftover Ideas
Serve leftovers over rice or noodles.
Make sliders with small rolls.
Add leftovers to wraps or lettuce cups.
Use as a topping for flatbread or pizza.
Budget Breakdown (Approximate Costs)
- Frozen meatballs (2 lbs): about $10–$14
- Lit’l Smokies (14 oz): about $4–$5
- Barbecue sauce: about $2–$3
- Teriyaki sauce: about $3–$4
Estimated total cost: $19–$26
Cost per serving (12 servings): about $1.60–$2.15 per serving
For a party-sized appetizer, this is very budget-friendly.
Lighten-Up Version, Lower Calorie Options
Use turkey or chicken meatballs.
Choose reduced-sugar sauces.
Serve with vegetables instead of bread.
Control portions with toothpicks.
Troubleshooting Tips
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.
If sauce is too sweet, add a little soy sauce or vinegar.
If meatballs stick, stir gently during cooking.
If flavor feels flat, add a pinch of salt or garlic powder.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 290–330
Protein: 14–18g
Carbohydrates: 24–28g
Fat: 14–18g
Values vary depending on brands used.
My Personal Kitchen Notes
This is one of those recipes I never worry about. I’ve made it for holidays, parties, family gatherings, and random weekends when I didn’t feel like cooking a full meal. It always works.
I love how dependable it is. I love how little effort it takes. And I love that people always ask for the recipe. It’s exactly the kind of dish I want in my back pocket when I need something that delivers without stress.
My Final Thoughts
Crockpot Teriyaki BBQ Meatballs & Lil Smokies are proof that simple recipes can still feel special. With minimal prep and big flavor, this is the kind of appetizer that works every time.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for New Year’s, holidays, and parties, this one is worth saving.
Appetizer Recipe Ideas
- Caramelized Onion Chip Dip
- Cajun Grilled Shrimp
- Crockpot Apple Butter BBQ Little Smokies
- BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages
Crockpot Teriyaki BBQ Meatballs & Lil Smokies
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs homestyle
- 14 oz package Lit’l Smokies sausages
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet Teriyaki Sauce
Instructions
- Add the frozen meatballs and Lit’l Smokies to a large slow cooker.
- Pour in barbecue sauce and teriyaki sauce, then stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve straight from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving platter with toothpicks.
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