Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce are tender, flavorful, and ready in just 3 hours. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping them from drying out. The warm, melty cheese and crispy edges make this dish irresistible. Serve it with my Roasted Green Bean Quinoa Salad for a balanced meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Roasted Green Bean Quinoa Salad and Easy Cajun Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Black Beans.
Why This Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Tender and flavorful little smokies
- Easy, hands-off cooking
- Perfect for game day or parties
- Better than takeout taste
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 brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Optional: Chopped green onions
- Optional: Shredded cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Little smokies: You can use regular or smoked little smokies depending on your preference.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Slow Cooker — Hands-off cooking and tender results. → See on Amazon
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked little smokies every time. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
- Step 1: Place little smokies in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Step 3: Pour the sauce over the little smokies, ensuring they're well coated.
- Step 4: Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and shredded cheese if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overcooking to prevent dry little smokies. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F.
- Pro tip: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
- Pro tip: For a spicier version, add some hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
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 in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat in the slow cooker or oven.
Freezing Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Freeze cooked little smokies in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the slow cooker or oven.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a quicker version, you can cook the little smokies in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the little smokies with cocktail weenies or smoked sausage.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the slow cooker or oven.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in. If the little smokies are drying out, add a little water or broth to the slow cooker.
Want to level up this recipe?
Slow Cooker Liners — Easy cleanup and even heat distribution. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb little smokies
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Place little smokies in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Step 3: Pour the sauce over the little smokies, ensuring they're well coated.
- Step 4: Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a quicker version, you can cook the little smokies in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the little smokies with cocktail weenies or smoked sausage.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the slow cooker or oven.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in. If the little smokies are drying out, add a little water or broth to the slow cooker.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked little smokies in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the slow cooker or oven.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: You can make this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat in the slow cooker or oven.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Slow Cooker Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce FAQs
Yes, you can make this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat in the slow cooker or oven.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry little smokies. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F and no more.
Yes, you can freeze cooked little smokies in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the slow cooker or oven.
While you can cook the little smokies in the air fryer, the sauce may not be as thick or flavorful as when cooked in the slow cooker.
You can substitute the little smokies with cocktail weenies or smoked sausage.
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!
