Stir the smokies once or twice during cooking to ensure even sauce coating., For a thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker near the end or use a cornstarch slurry., If using diet root beer or sugar-free BBQ sauce, reduce or omit the brown sugar to balance sweetness., Keep warm on the slow cooker “Warm” setting and stir occasionally to prevent burning., Can substitute cocktail meatballs for the smokies for a variation., Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce for increased spice., Swap brown sugar with maple syrup or honey to vary the sweetness., Add drained crushed pineapple for a tropical twist., Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat gently and add water or root beer if sauce thickens too much.