This BBQ lil smokies recipe is the kind of easy appetizer everyone loves, and the kind you toss together in minutes and forget about until it’s time to eat. The sausages simmer in a sweet, smoky sauce that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
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Why You’ll Love Beef Little Smokies
Is it even a party without lil’ smokies? They’ve always been one of those appetizers that show up at every gathering we host, especially on game day. And honestly, what’s not to love? They’re basically tiny hot dogs simmering in a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce... and I could easily polish off a bowl on my own.
One of the reasons I make them so often is because they truly are a dump-and-go dream. While plenty of recipes use grape jelly, this one keeps things simple with a straight-up barbecue-style sauce that lets the flavors shine. Everything cooks hands-off while you tackle the rest of your menu, and they stay warm beautifully right in the slow cooker. Why they’re great:
- Easy to keep warm
- Zero fuss
- Crowd-pleasing flavors
- Versatile cooking options
- Perfect for entertaining
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
- Little smokies- Either beef or pork varieties work. Two packages make plenty for entertaining.
- Tomato ketchup- The full-bodied base of the sauce. Regular ketchup works best. Avoid low-sugar versions, which can alter the flavor.
- Liquid smoke- Adds that smoky depth. If you’re not into smoky flavor, use the same amount of soy sauce for a more savory, slightly Asian-inspired twist.
- Brown sugar- Sweetens and thickens the sauce. Light or dark both work, so use what you have.
- Onion- Small pieces melt into the sauce nicely. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Green onions- Add a pop of color and freshness.
How To Make Barbecue Weenies
Step 1- Mix the sauce.
Combine the ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and minced onion right in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, stirring until everything looks evenly blended.
Step 2- Add the sausages.
Stir in the Little Smokies, making sure every piece is coated in sauce.
Step 3- Cook them in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Cover the slow cooker and let it go on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours. Switch to warm once they’re ready and serve straight from the pot.
For the Instant Pot, cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes, then allow a 10-15 minute natural release.
Step 4- Adjust the sauce if you use the Instant Pot.
If the sauce feels thin, remove the sausages and simmer the sauce on the sauté until it thickens to your liking.
Step 5- Serve.
Top with chopped green onions if you want a fresh touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they’re fully cooked. You’re just heating them through and letting the sauce come together.
If you’ve frozen them in sauce, thawing first helps them heat more evenly.
They add another layer of savory flavor, so it's best to leave them in. Or, swap with onion powder if you don't have fresh.
Tips For Making This Recipe For Cocktail Weenies
- Mix the sauce right in the pot. No need to pull out an extra bowl! Just add everything to the slow cooker or Instant Pot and stir until smooth.
- Let the slow cooker do the work. You don’t need to fuss with them while they cook. I usually give them a quick stir once or twice, but it’s totally optional.
- If you’re making a big batch of crock pot lil smokies for a party, switch the slow cooker to Warm so guests can help themselves throughout the night.
- Skip the smoky flavor. If liquid smoke isn’t your thing, swap it for the same amount of soy sauce. It adds a savory, Asian-inspired twist to the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce to taste. Want it sweeter? Add a little extra brown sugar. Prefer more tang? Stir in a splash of vinegar or a dash of hot sauce.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Mince the onion and measure the ketchup, brown sugar, and liquid smoke (or soy sauce) so you can dump everything in quickly.
- Leftovers and storage- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Big batches can be rewarmed in the slow cooker. For the best texture, freeze before cooking rather than after.
What To Serve With BBQ Little Smokies
Turn these smokies into a full party spread by pairing them with easy, comforting dishes that play well with barbecue flavors.
- Easy Instant Pot Chili Recipe
- Garbage Plate Recipe
- BLT Ranch Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Other Tasty Appetizers To Try
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!
BBQ Lil Smokies Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons liquid smoke (or you can substitute soy sauce for an Asian-inspired sauce)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup onion, minced
- 26 ounces Little Smokies
- Green onions for garnish, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Slow cooker instructions
- Place ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar and onion into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Add Little Smokies and stir until everything is well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours. Set crockpot to warm and serve immediately with chopped green onions to garnish.
Instant Pot instructions
- Place ketchup, liquid smoke, brown sugar and onion into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Little Smokies and stir until everything is well coated.
- Cover the instant pot and set it for 5 minutes on manual high pressure with a natural release for 10-15 minutes. If the sauce isn’t thick enough for you, remove the Lil’ Smokies and reduce the sauce on the saute function until it reaches your desired level of thickness.
- Serve immediately with chopped green onions to garnish.
Video
Notes
- Mix the sauce right in the pot. No need to pull out an extra bowl! Just add everything to the slow cooker or Instant Pot and stir until smooth.
- Let the slow cooker do the work. You don’t need to fuss with them while they cook. I usually give them a quick stir once or twice, but it’s totally optional.
- If you’re making a big batch of crock pot lil smokies for a party, switch the slow cooker to Warm so guests can help themselves throughout the night.
- Skip the smoky flavor. If liquid smoke isn’t your thing, swap it for the same amount of soy sauce. It adds a savory, Asian-inspired twist to the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce to taste. Want it sweeter? Add a little extra brown sugar. Prefer more tang? Stir in a splash of vinegar or a dash of hot sauce.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Mince the onion and measure the ketchup, brown sugar, and liquid smoke (or soy sauce) so you can dump everything in quickly.
- Leftovers and storage- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Big batches can be rewarmed in the slow cooker. For the best texture, freeze before cooking rather than after.
Lynn T says
Jessy Freimann says