Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs offer a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines apple butter and chili sauce for a rich, comforting sauce that perfectly coats tender meatballs. Serve them as a tasty appetizer or a satisfying main dish.

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 the chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
2. Step 2: Add the frozen meatballs to the sauce, tossing them gently to ensure they’re 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 sauce and meatballs from sticking or burning along the edges.
4. Step 4: Serve the meatballs warm, either as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or as an entrée over mashed potatoes or rice accompanied by roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Use allspice instead of cinnamon for a slightly different warm spice profile.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes on HIGH to let some liquid evaporate.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a hint of heat.
• Try serving with creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use homemade meatballs, but since they’re not precooked, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or until meatballs are fully cooked through.

Is there a substitute for apple butter if I can’t find it?

If apple butter isn’t available, you can use applesauce combined with a little brown sugar and cinnamon to mimic the sweet-spiced flavor. The texture may be slightly different but the sauce will still be delicious.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

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Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs are a sweet and tangy appetizer or entrée featuring tender precooked frozen meatballs simmered in a flavorful sauce made from chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, and warm spices. The slow cooker method ensures juicy meatballs infused with rich, comforting flavors perfect for gatherings or family meals.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours on High or 5 hours on Low
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (High) or 5 hours 10 minutes (Low)
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Sauce Ingredients

• 12 oz. bottle chili sauce (use Heinz Chili Sauce, not 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)

Meatballs

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Add the chili sauce, apple butter, pure maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined to form a smooth, sweet and tangy sauce.
2. Add Meatballs: Place the frozen precooked meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce. Toss gently to ensure that all meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and burning on the edges, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors and become tender.
4. Serve: Once cooked thoroughly and heated through, serve the meatballs as an appetizer or as a main dish. They pair beautifully over mashed potatoes or rice, accompanied by roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Use Heinz Chili Sauce specifically; do not substitute with sriracha or Thai sweet chili sauce to maintain intended flavor balance.
• Frozen meatballs should be precooked; cooking times may vary if using fresh or homemade meatballs.
• Stir meatballs occasionally during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even flavor absorption.
• This dish can be prepared ahead; meatballs tend to flavor even better when resting in the sauce.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, apple butter meatballs, sweet and tangy meatballs, easy party appetizer, comfort food, slow cooker recipes