Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that meld perfectly in a rich sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for parties or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. bottle chili sauce (use Heinz Chili Sauce; avoid sriracha or Thai sweet chili sauce)
• 1 ½ cups apple butter (Musselman’s Apple Butter recommended)
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. molasses
• ¼ tsp. ground cloves
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon (or allspice as a substitute)
• 40 oz. frozen precooked meatballs (two 20-ounce bags)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In your slow cooker, combine chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
2. Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the meatballs from sticking or burning on the edges.
4. Step 4: Serve warm as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes or rice alongside roasted vegetables for a satisfying entrée.

Tips & Variations

• Use allspice instead of cinnamon for a slightly different warm spice flavor.
• For extra depth, brown the meatballs briefly in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
• Add a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat behind the sweetness.
• These meatballs also pair well with creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. They also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure the meatballs are heated through and cooked completely if they are raw.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They go well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, buttered noodles, or even creamy polenta for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

Sweet and tangy slow cooker apple butter meatballs simmered in a flavorful blend of chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, and warm spices. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting entrée served over mashed potatoes or rice with roasted vegetables.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 to 5 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 40 meatballs, serving 8 to 10 people 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Sauce Ingredients

• 12 oz. bottle chili sauce (Heinz Chili Sauce recommended; avoid sriracha or Thai sweet chili sauce)
• 1 ½ cups apple butter (Musselman’s Apple Butter preferred)
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or substitute with allspice)

Meatballs

• 40 oz. frozen precooked meatballs (two 20-ounce bags)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, combine the chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to create a balanced and flavorful sauce base.
2. Add Meatballs: Add the frozen precooked meatballs directly into the sauce. Toss them gently to ensure each meatball is well coated with the sauce mixture.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the meatballs from sticking or burning at the edges.
4. Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs as a delightful appetizer or as a main dish over mashed potatoes or rice, accompanied by roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use a mild chili sauce like Heinz for the best balance; avoid hot or Thai-style chili sauces to maintain the intended flavor profile.
• Frozen meatballs do not require thawing before adding to the slow cooker.
• Occasional stirring prevents the sauce and meatballs from burning and helps develop richer flavors.
• Apple butter and maple syrup add natural sweetness and depth; feel free to adjust quantities slightly for sweetness preference.
• This recipe works well for parties and gatherings due to its ease and delicious appeal as finger food or main course.

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, apple butter meatballs, sweet and tangy meatballs, easy party appetizers, slow cooker recipes