Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These slow cooker bourbon apple butter meatballs are a sweet, smoky, and tangy comfort food favorite. Using frozen meatballs and a simple sauce made from apple butter and bourbon, this “dump and go” recipe fills your home with irresistible aromas. Perfect for cozy dinners, parties, or easy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together apple butter, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Pour the frozen meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking to coat the meatballs evenly.
5. Step 5: Stir well before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• No need to thaw meatballs; use them straight from the freezer for best results.
• Choose a good quality, spiced apple butter to add depth to the sauce.
• Don’t skip the Dijon mustard—it adds a tang that balances the sweetness.
• Double the recipe for parties, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
• Substitute bourbon with apple juice or cola for a family-friendly version.
• Use thick applesauce with a pinch of cinnamon if you don’t have apple butter.
• Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like a spicy kick.
• Feel free to use homemade meatballs, just pre-cook them before adding to the slow cooker.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in their sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice or cola for a family-friendly option that keeps the flavor balanced.

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook your homemade meatballs fully before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent them from falling apart.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

These Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish made easy with frozen meatballs simmered in a sweet and smoky apple butter bourbon sauce. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings, weeknight dinners, or parties, this dump-and-go recipe requires minimal prep and slow-cooks to tender, saucy perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs

Sauce

• 1 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine apple butter, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is well blended and smooth, ensuring all flavors meld together.
2. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs directly into the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them evenly to ensure even cooking.
3. Pour Sauce Over Meatballs: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs, coating them completely with the thick, flavorful sauce.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the meatballs on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir gently once halfway through the cooking time to coat the meatballs evenly and prevent any from drying out.
5. Stir and Serve: After cooking, give the meatballs a good stir to distribute the sauce evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with your choice of sides.

Notes

• No need to thaw meatballs before cooking; use them straight from the freezer for convenience.
• Using a good quality, spiced apple butter enhances the flavor significantly.
• Don’t skip the Dijon mustard as it balances the sauce’s sweetness with a subtle tang.
• You can double the recipe for larger gatherings, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
• Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even sauce coating and avoid drying out the meatballs on top.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker until warmed through.
• If you prefer a family-friendly version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or cola.
• Adding hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes can spice up the recipe if desired.

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, bourbon meatballs, apple butter meatballs, easy party appetizers, fall recipes, comfort food, dump and go recipes