Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
