Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs offer a deliciously sweet and tangy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for parties or a comforting meal, they require minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

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 the slow cooker, combine chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
2. Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce and toss them until fully coated.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker 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 precooked frozen meatballs for convenience and consistent results.
• Stirring occasionally helps avoid burning and ensures even cooking.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Swap cinnamon for allspice if preferred for a subtly different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce thickens.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, making for a hearty and delicious meal.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

These Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, combining chili sauce, apple butter, and warm spices to create a deliciously easy appetizer or entrée. Made in the slow cooker for fuss-free cooking, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining or family dinners.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours on HIGH or 5 hours on LOW
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes on HIGH or 5 hours 10 minutes on LOW
• Yield: Approximately 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Sauce Ingredients

• 12 oz. bottle chili sauce (Heinz recommended; avoid sriracha or Thai sweet chili sauce)
• 1 ½ cups apple butter (Musselman’s recommended)
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. molasses
• ¼ tsp. ground cloves
• ¼ tsp. 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, pure maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce base.
2. Add the meatballs: Place the frozen precooked meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce. Toss the meatballs gently to coat them evenly with the apple butter sauce.
3. Cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, or LOW for 4 to 5 hours. During cooking, stir occasionally to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the edges and burning.
4. Serve: Once cooked through and sauce has thickened, serve the meatballs hot. They make a great appetizer or serve them as an entrée over mashed potatoes or rice accompanied by roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Use Heinz chili sauce for best flavor, avoiding spicy or Thai variants that alter the taste.
• Frozen precooked meatballs save time and cook well in the slow cooker.
• Ground cinnamon can be substituted with allspice for a different warm spice flavor.
• Occasional stirring helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking.
• This recipe is perfect for potlucks, parties, and easy weeknight dinners.

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