Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce. After making these many times, I’ve perfected the recipe for tender, flavorful smokies every time. The warm, rich aroma of the BBQ sauce will fill your home and make your guests beg for the recipe. Keep reading for my best tips, or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice and Refreshing Pineapple Margarita Mocktail.
Why This Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Perfect for game day or parties
- Easy cleanup with slow cooker
- Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce
- Keeps warm in slow cooker for serving
What You'll Need for Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb little smokies
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Optional: Chopped green onions
- Optional: Shredded cheese
- Optional: Cilantro-lime crema
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Little smokies: You can use smoked or regular little smokies. Smoked will add an extra layer of flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. For a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crockpot — Hands-off cooking, keeps food warm → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Ensures smokies are cooked to perfection → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
- Step 1: Place little smokies in slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Step 3: Pour sauce over little smokies. Stir to coat.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with optional toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the smokies. They can become tough if cooked too long.
- Tip: For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Tip: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
Storing & Reheating Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made ahead and kept warm in slow cooker on warm setting.
Freezing Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute little smokies with cocktail weenies for a similar dish.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or less.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb little smokies
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cheese
- Cilantro-lime crema
Instructions
- Step 1: Place little smokies in slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Step 3: Pour sauce over little smokies. Stir to coat.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute little smokies with cocktail weenies for a similar dish.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or less.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Can be made ahead and kept warm in slow cooker on warm setting.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce FAQs
Yes, prepare the sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use. Cook in the slow cooker as directed.
They may have been overcooked. Reduce cooking time or check your slow cooker's temperature.
Yes, use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. For a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar.
Double or triple the recipe to serve more. Keep warm in the slow cooker on warm setting.
Yes, cook at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
