15 Ways to Use Bottled Barbeque Sauce

Busy Day Barbeque Brisket on a white plate
Photo: Allrecipes Magazine

Bottled barbeque sauce sometimes get a bad reputation as being overly sweet or sticky. But with a few other ingredients, and some creative cooking methods, you can use bottled barbeque sauce in a wide range of delicious dishes.

Dress it up with a dash of vinegar and some spices to create a Carolina-style sauce. Throw it in the slow cooker to make juicy pulled pork. Or use it as a glaze for wow-worthy meatballs. With so many ways to use barbeque sauce, you're sure to keep it in your pantry for easy meals from now on.

01 of 16

Slow Cooker Barbeque

Slow Cooker Barbeque in a bun on a white plate
RainbowJewels

You only need a few ingredients to create this saucy barbeque. Bottled sauce is dressed up with powdered garlic and granulated onion, infusing the chuck roast with savory flavor.

02 of 16

BBQ Meatballs

BBQ Meatballs
House of Aqua

Slow cooker meatballs are a classic appetizer, and this version gets its sweet and smoky flavor from both barbeque sauce and ketchup. Reviewer mrmanning says, "These are great every time, and always seem to be the first thing that disappears when company comes over."

03 of 16

Slow Cooker Barbeque Chicken

Slow Cooker Barbeque Chicken on a white plate
Paula

Bottled barbeque sauce is dressed up with rich brown sugar and tangy vinegar before cooking low and slow with these chicken breasts. Enjoy as-is with your favorite sides, or shred the chicken and serve on top of a baked potato.

04 of 16

Amanda's Awesome Stir-Fry Sauce

Amanda's Awesome Stir-Fry Sauce in a white bowl
Kelsey Riley

This stir-fry sauce recipe may be untraditional, but it sure is delicious over steamed rice and fresh vegetables. The trio of barbeque sauce, peanut butter, and soy sauce, creates a fusion-inspired sauce that you'll be drizzling over everything.

05 of 16

Easy, Two-Ingredient Pulled Pork

Easy, Two-Ingredient Pulled Pork
mauigirl

It doesn't get much easier than this. "Use a slow cooker to make these great sandwiches using just a pork loin and your favorite BBQ sauce," describes recipe creator Jeannie.

06 of 16

Barbeque Style Braised Short Ribs

Barbeque Style Braised Short Ribs in an orange bowl
Hassan

Several hours of braising creates fall off the bone short ribs that will have you coming back for a second helping. Serve over a scoop of mashed potatoes, or with bread for sopping up the extra sauce.

07 of 16

Easy Sweet-N-Spicy BBQ Chicken

Easy Sweet-N-Spicy BBQ Chicken in a white bowl
Happyschmoopies

"Sweet from applesauce, spicy from bottled BBQ sauce, and easy from only 4 ingredients, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight family meal," says recipe creator Paula T. "Serve alone or over rice, potatoes, or pasta."

08 of 16

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue
Creative Side of Me

Slow cooking chicken breasts in barbeque sauce might not be unique, but this zesty recipe puts a spin on it with the addition of Italian salad dressing. Tuck those saucy shreds into a bun, and dinner is served!

09 of 16

Baby Back Ribs

Baby Back Ribs
RainbowJewels

"These are tender and the meat falls right off the bone," says recipe creator KHEFFN. "Generally, people think of baby back ribs as a meal they would only order when at a restaurant, but they are so easy to make at home." This version uses bottled barbeque sauce for an extra quick prep time.

10 of 16

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops
wannabe chefette

If you need a "set it and forget it" dinner, then this is the recipe for you. Pork chops are layered up with barbeque sauce, then slow cooked for several hours to become extra tender.

11 of 16

Southern Yank Pulled Pork BBQ

Southern Yank Pulled Pork BBQ on a wooden cutting board
Andreas Muller

Pork shoulder is given the special treatment with this boldly flavored recipe. The base is barbeque sauce, which is amped up with Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, hot sauce, brown sugar, honey, and fresh garlic.

12 of 16

Busy Day Barbeque Brisket

Busy Day Barbeque Brisket on a white plate
Allrecipes Magazine

"Brisket is rubbed with spices and liquid smoke and then cooked in a slow cooker with barbeque sauce until tender and juicy," describes recipe creator Shannon. "This calls for just enough barbecue sauce for that smoky flavor while still allowing the flavor of the meat to come through."

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Barbecued Meatballs

Barbecued Meatballs on a grey plate
TPertabsingh

Meatballs aren't just for pairing with spaghetti. This flavorful barbeque version serves as an impressive main dish. Want a richer meatball? Some reviewers recommend swapping in pork for half of the beef.

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Sylvia's Ribs

Sylvia's Ribs on a black and white plate
Andrea Matosevic

Using eight pounds of ribs, this recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. The coating of barbeque sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar creating an irresistibly sticky glaze on the ribs.

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Slow Cooker Beer Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Beer Pulled Pork
Molly

"My way of making pulled pork is simple: slow cooker, 1 can of beer, a 5 to 6 pound pork butt, seasonings, and a bottle of barbecue sauce," explains recipe creator Paula Todora. Mix and match your favorite brands of beer and barbeque sauce to create a unique dish every time.

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