Dinner

Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

ByLila Prescott December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

Introduction

These Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for parties or a comforting meal. Easy to prepare and packed with rich sauce, they cook low and slow to tender perfection.

A white bowl filled with eight glossy brown meatballs, each covered in a thick, shiny brown sauce, and topped with small green herb leaves scattered evenly on top. Steam rises gently from the bowl, suggesting the dish is hot. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface, showing contrast with the dark sauce and meatballs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs frozen homestyle meatballs
1 cup apple butter

1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the apple butter, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 2: Place the frozen meatballs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out for even cooking.
Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully coated to absorb the flavors while cooking.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir gently halfway through cooking to coat meatballs evenly.

Step 5: Once done, stir the meatballs well to coat with the thick sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a milder bourbon flavor, reduce the bourbon amount to 1/4 cup and replace the rest with apple juice.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.

Use homemade or store-bought meatballs depending on your preference; just adjust cooking time if using fresh meatballs.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

A black slow cooker filled with two layers: the bottom layer is a smooth, glossy, dark brown sauce, and the top layer has evenly spaced raw meatballs arranged in a circle. A woman's hand is pouring more of the thick sauce from a white bowl onto the center of the meatballs, adding a shiny, flowing texture to the sauce layer beneath them. The slow cooker rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or additional apple cider vinegar for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.

Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.