Crock-Pot, Barbecue Mini Meatballs

This is such an easy way to make meatballs. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand. Serve right from the crock-pot for an appetizer or pot luck. Always a party favorite because they taste so good! Or, make into a yummy dinner by serving 3 or 4 meatballs with sauce over skinny mashed potatoes or rice. Include a vegetable and you’re set! Each meatball, with sauce, has 74 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 Weight Watchers Freestyle SmartPoints.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours on low heat or 3 hours on high heat

Ingredients for Meatballs:

1 pound package extra lean ground beef or turkey, see shopping tips

¼ cup Panko bread crumbs 

1 large egg or 2 egg whites

½ cup onions, finely minced

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Sauce:

1½ cups onions, diced

1 (18 ounce) bottle barbecue sauce, I used Sweet Baby Rays, or use your favorite

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (add ⅛ teaspoon more if you like a bit of kick)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Using clean hands, mix all the ingredients and form 24 small meatballs, about ⅛ cup each (2 tablespoons)

2. To cook 1½ cups onions for sauce: cook in microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften.

3. Pour barbecue sauce into crock-pot. Add softened onions and mix well. Drop meatballs into sauce. Mix around to cover completely with sauce. Set crock-pot to low, 6 hours or on high heat 3 hours.

Makes 24 meatballs

Shopping Tips
Most supermarkets sell extra lean ground beef. I used the 96% lean ground beef from Trader Joe’s.

If you’re looking for a wonderful crock-pot, check out the one I’ve got.  Makes a terrific gift too! But they have other terrific ones at Amazon.com. Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker, Digital Timer, Stainless Steel