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