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Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 75 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 25m
  • Cook Time: 5h 0m
  • Total Time: 5h 25m
  • Yield: 20 to 24 meatballs
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs combine savory ground beef or turkey meatballs with a rich, sweet, and tangy bourbon apple butter sauce. Perfectly cooked low and slow, they deliver tender, flavorful bites that are ideal as an appetizer or main dish. The blend of apple butter, bourbon, and warm spices brings a unique twist to classic meatballs, making them a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Garnish

  • Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated to form the meatball base.
  2. Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding approximately 20 to 24 meatballs for even cooking and manageable serving sizes.
  3. Make the bourbon apple butter sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together bourbon, apple butter, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful sauce.
  4. Layer meatballs in the slow cooker: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking, then pour the bourbon apple butter sauce over, coating meatballs thoroughly.
  5. Cook the meatballs: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
  6. Serve: Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving platter using a slotted spoon. Optionally drizzle some of the leftover sauce from the slow cooker on top for extra moisture and flavor.
  7. Garnish and present: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the meatballs to add a fresh color contrast and flavor boost before serving.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey for a leaner option, or beef for a richer flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • The cooking time can be adjusted slightly depending on your slow cooker; 4 hours on low is typically sufficient.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to let it reduce.
  • Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish alongside mashed potatoes or rice.

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Find it online: https://comfortingrecipes.com/slow-cooker-bourbon-apple-butter-meatballs-recipe/