Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs

Servings: 6-8 | Cook Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-7 hours on LOW

Hey There!

Okay, this one is SO good. These slow cooker bourbon apple butter meatballs are sweet, smoky, a little tangy—and totally comforting. They’re made with frozen meatballs (hello, easy), apple butter, a splash of bourbon (don’t worry—it cooks off!), and a few pantry staples. It’s a perfect “dump and go” recipe, and your whole house will smell amazing. I like making these for cozy fall dinners, parties, or even just a weeknight when I don’t want to fuss.

Let’s get into it!

🍎 What You’ll Need

• 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 (optional, for garnish)

🤎 Why I Love This Recipe

I first made these for a fall football get-together and honestly—they disappeared in minutes. They’ve been on repeat ever since. Here’s why:

• One pot, no mess. Toss everything in and walk away.
• Crazy flavorful. Sweet apple butter + smoky bourbon = magic.
• Perfect for parties. Or just when you want leftovers to reheat.
• Comfort food level: 10/10. Sticky, saucy, savory deliciousness.

🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Apple butter is naturally sweet and thick, so it gives the sauce body and depth without needing extra thickeners. The bourbon adds complexity and balances the sugar with a little heat. Cooking it slow and low lets the flavors soak into the meatballs while caramelizing the sauce slightly. Hello, flavor bomb.

🧤 Pro Tips

1. No need to thaw the meatballs. Straight from the freezer is perfect.
2. Use GOOD apple butter. The kind with spices makes a big difference.
3. Don’t skip the Dijon! It adds a little tang that cuts the sweetness.
4. Double the batch for parties. Trust me—they go fast.
5. Stir halfway through. Helps coat the meatballs evenly in sauce.

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups + spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Small bowl (for mixing sauce)

🔁 Substitutions & Variations

• No bourbon? Use apple juice or even cola for a family-friendly version.
• No apple butter? Try thick applesauce and add a pinch of cinnamon.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Homemade meatballs: Totally fine, just pre-cook them before adding.

🧊 Make-Ahead Tips

• Mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store in the fridge.
• You can also freeze leftover cooked meatballs in their sauce for up to 2 months.

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together apple butter, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker

Pour the frozen meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Meatballs

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir once halfway through cooking.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Give everything a good stir so the meatballs are well coated. Garnish with parsley if you’d like, and serve warm.

🥡 Leftovers & Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or stovetop.

🧠 Common Mistakes

• Using watery apple butter – go for a thick one or the sauce will be runny.
• Not stirring – if you forget to stir, the top meatballs might dry out.
• Cooking too long – don’t let it go more than 7 hours on low or the sauce may start to burn.

🍽️ What to Serve With

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Toasted slider buns
• Roasted green beans or broccoli
• Buttery rice or egg noodles
• A crisp green salad

🤔 FAQ

Q: Can I make this without bourbon?
Yep! Apple juice or even cola works as a substitute.

Q: Can I use homemade meatballs?
Totally! Just pre-cook them first so they don’t fall apart.

Q: Is this spicy?
Nope, it’s more sweet and smoky. You can add heat if you want!

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just make sure your slow cooker is big enough.

📝 Meal Plan Ideas

• Monday: Meatballs over mashed potatoes
• Tuesday: Leftover meatballs on slider buns
• Wednesday: Tossed with pasta and steamed broccoli
• Thursday: Rice bowls with veggies and extra sauce
• Friday: Clean-out-the-fridge night—any leftovers go!

🎉 Wrapping It Up

These bourbon apple butter meatballs are the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand year-round. Whether it’s a casual dinner, game night, or holiday party, they hit that perfect mix of cozy, easy, and seriously delicious. Try them out and let me know what you think—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you or answer any questions you have!

👇 Drop a comment below if you make them!