Can I use another meat?

According to MenuCochon: Yes, you can substitute beef with pork or chicken.

Can I make this ahead of time?

According to MenuCochon: Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs ahead and refrigerate, then cook on the day of serving.

How to store leftovers?

According to MenuCochon: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Perfect Maple BBQ Meatballs

Name: Maple BBQ Meatballs in a Slow Cooker
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 portions
Cuisine: Québécoise
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef; 1 unit onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 unit egg; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

FR|EN

Amuse-gueules Canada Festin Sportif

Maple BBQ Meatballs in a Slow Cooker

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

February 7, 2026

|Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Amuse-gueules Canada Festin Sportif

Maple BBQ Meatballs in a Slow Cooker

Prep15 min

Cook25 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

By Menucochon|

February 7, 2026

|Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Friends, nothing completes game night like delicious and easy-to-make bites. These maple BBQ meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. The slow cooker does most of the work, letting you enjoy the game and the good vibes.

Ingredients

Servings

Meatballs

Sauce

350 kcal15g protein18g fat30g carbs

Preparation

Instructions

0/4

Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form equally sized meatballs.
Use an ice cream scoop for uniform meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs
Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides. Drain excess fat.
Do not overcrowd the skillet for even cooking.
Make the Sauce
In the slow cooker, combine BBQ sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
Final Cooking
Add browned meatballs to the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Gently stir halfway through to coat the meatballs well.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

For authentic flavor, choose high-quality maple syrup. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. For an indulgent twist, mix in grated cheese. You can also experiment with different meats, like a pork and beef blend, for a unique texture. Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to keep them fresh.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatballs straight from the slow cooker to keep them warm throughout the game. Pair them with crunchy veggies and a ranch dip for a nice texture contrast. They're also fantastic in small buns for quick mini sandwiches. Both kids and adults will love them! Feel free to get creative with spices or add a dash of liquid smoke for an extra BBQ kick. These meatballs are sure to become a go-to for your festive gatherings.