Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Published: January 29, 2026

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of apple butter and chili sauce adds a sweet and tangy taste that’s irresistible.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a hearty main dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a comforting family meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: With its unique flavors, this recipe is sure to impress guests and family alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs, you’ll need to gather some essential tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is the star of the show, allowing you to cook your meatballs evenly while infusing them with flavor.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your sauces before adding them to the slow cooker.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistency in flavor.

Ingredients

Frozen meatballs with an amazing sauce made of apple butter, chili sauce, and spices!

For the Sauce

12 oz. bottle chili sauce (I use Heinz Chili Sauce; avoid sriracha hot chili sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce.)
1 ½ cups apple butter (I use Musselman’s Apple Butter)
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. molasses
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or allspice if you have it)

For the Meatballs

40 oz. frozen meatballs (these are precooked and frozen; two 20-ounce bags)

How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Add the chili sauce, apple butter, maple syrup, molasses, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon to the slow cooker. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 2: Add Meatballs

Carefully add frozen meatballs to the prepared sauce.
Toss gently to coat each meatball evenly in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours.
Stir occasionally to prevent meatballs from burning on the edges.

Serve these delicious Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes or rice alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

These Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether for a party, family dinner, or game day, you’ll impress your guests with these flavorful bites.

As Appetizers

Serve them warm on toothpicks for easy eating during gatherings.
Pair with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mustard for an extra kick.

Over Rice

Spoon the meatballs and sauce over fluffy rice for a hearty meal.
Consider using brown rice or jasmine rice for added flavor and texture.

With Mashed Potatoes

Create a comforting dish by serving the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes.
Add some gravy or extra apple butter sauce on top for richness.

In Sliders

Place a meatball in a small slider bun with some additional sauce for a mini sandwich.
Top with sliced pickles or coleslaw for added crunch.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

Serve the meatballs alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.
This adds color and nutrition to your plate, enhancing the overall meal experience.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

To make the most out of your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs, keep these tips in mind. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture possible.

Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality apple butter and chili sauce to enhance the flavor of your dish.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup slightly to balance flavors.
Stir Occasionally: Make sure to stir every hour or so to prevent any meatballs from sticking to the edges of the slow cooker.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Thicken Sauce if Needed: If you want a thicker sauce, mix in some cornstarch dissolved in water during the last hour of cooking.
Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve these meatballs right after cooking while they are hot.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement their sweet and savory flavors:

Garlic Bread
A perfect accompaniment; its buttery goodness soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Coleslaw
The crunchiness offers a refreshing contrast to the tender meatballs.
Cornbread
Its slight sweetness pairs wonderfully with apple butter flavors.
Green Beans Almondine
Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds provide a healthy option that balances richness.
Quinoa Salad
A light salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds brightness to your plate.
Sweet Potato Fries
The sweetness of the fries complements the apple butter without overpowering it.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
These can be stuffed with leftover meatball mixture for an inventive twist!
Cauliflower Mash
A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that still delivers creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls will elevate your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs to the next level.

Skipping the Mixing: Not stirring the sauce before adding meatballs can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Always ensure your sauce is well mixed.
Overcrowding the Cooker: Adding too many meatballs can result in uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
Neglecting to Stir Occasionally: Failing to stir can cause meatballs on the edges to burn. Make sure to give them a gentle stir every hour.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on HIGH or LOW affects texture and flavor. Pay attention to timing for optimal results.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap sauces or apple butter can ruin the dish. Choose high-quality products for better taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs.

Can I make Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter can enhance the flavor profile of your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs.

What type of meat can I use?

You can use frozen chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey meatballs based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to customize with different spices or sides, appealing to various tastes. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will love!

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