Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs
These Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs combine tender meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy bourbon apple butter sauce, perfect for easy entertaining or a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together apple butter, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Gently stir the meatballs in the sauce before serving to coat them evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture or serve over mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.