When I got my first apartment and had my first “house warming party”, a version of this recipe was on the menu. It was fast, easy and those 20-year-old guys chowed down like there was no tomorrow! You know what they say, the way to the heart is through the stomach? This recipe proved it! I’ve since switched to all beef smokies and have cut out a lot of the added sugar (still a little ketchup in there for good measure), but you know what? No one is missing it and these things still disappear…and the guys are a lot older. LOL They are perfect for big get togethers, game day, Super Bowl and on this year’s Oktoberfest buffet! Sweet and Spicy Lil Beef Smokies are here to stay. Beef sausages are a must in my family since several members won’t eat pork, but pork, turkey and chicken sausages all work in this recipe too.
I’ve seen these made with a variety of ingredients and there are lots of substitutions that will result in a great tasting appetizer. In this recipe, for sweet I’ve used sugar-free brown sugar substitute (Lakanto monk fruit sugar substitute is my favorite but Swerve works too.) but you could use regular brown sugar. I just wanted to remove as much added sugar as possible.
I used regular ketchup (there is sugar in ketchup) but if you like, substitute a sugar-free ketchup. I personally don’t like the taste so I use regular ketchup, but feel free to substitute if you want to eliminate all the extra sugar.
I also use sugar-free blackberry preserves in this recipe (Polner makes a good one). I love the flavor but here is a spot where you could use grape, strawberry or blueberry preserves. Find your favorite brand. If you don’t mind the sugar, use any regular brand of preserves. Little smokies and grape jelly are a common combination and you’ll often see recipes for cocktail weenies with grape jelly. The combo works great. I also like changing this recipe up on occasion, and make BBQ sauce and grape jelly little smokies too. Tip: Omit the ketchup but keep the brown sugar if you try that combo.
I’ve used prepared horseradish sauce in this recipe for the spicy, but I’ve used chili sauce or a spicy BBQ sauce as substitutes. If you don’t have any of the above on hand, I’d add a pinch of chili flakes. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning (heat level) to match your palate. I make a similar sauce with my holiday meatballs, so be sure to check that out too.
How to make Sweet and Spicy Lil Beef Smokies
The recipe couldn’t be easier. I simple add the lil beef smokies to a crock pot or slow cooker. Then in a measuring cup or bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients. Pour over the smokies, stir until everything is coated and turn to low or high depending on how quickly you want to heat your smokies. Follow the devices instructions for heating. Let them simmer for at least an hour and up to 3 hours on low. The sauce gets thicker and coats the sausage for a great taste.
I’ll either serve these right in the crock pot or put in a serving bowl with a cup of long tooth picks for serving. Be sure to serve with a big spoon too (sometimes, people don’t want to fuss with the toothpicks!).
The most commonly asked questions and answers about ‘lil smokies
If you like this recipe, please leave a rating and comment below. I’d love to hear if you have a personal twist on the recipe. If you liked this classic, throwback recipe, be sure to try some of these:
Boursin Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Sweet and Spicy Lil Beef Smokies
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 Package 12 ounces miniature beef smoked sausage links
- 1/2 Cup Packed Swerve brown sugar substitute (Or brown sugar substitute or real brown sugar)
- 1/4 Cup Ketchup
- 1/2 Cup Sugar free blackberry preserves (or jelly/jam of your choice)
- 3 Tbsps. Prepared horseradish sauce
Instructions
- Place sausages in a crock pot. Combine the Swerve or Lakanto brown sugar substitute or brown sugar, ketchup, preserves or jam/jelly of your choice and horseradish in a large measuring cup. Mix well. Pour over the sausages and stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for at least one hour. Stir once or twice during the hour. Serve with cocktail toothpicks.
