Dinner

Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs Recipe

BySana Jeannette December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs are a delicious and effortless appetizer or meal option. Packed with rich, tangy flavors from apple butter and bourbon, these meatballs simmer slowly to tender perfection. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

A white bowl filled with eight shiny brown meatballs covered in a smooth, glossy reddish-brown sauce, each meatball is topped with small green herb leaves, with steam rising from the hot dish, placed on a white marbled surface. 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 (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together apple butter, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Pour the frozen meatballs into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir once halfway through cooking to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Stir the meatballs well before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or additional apple cider vinegar.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick of heat.

Use homemade or store-bought meatballs depending on your preference for convenience or flavor.
Serve these meatballs over rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Garnish with chopped toasted pecans for added texture and nutty flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

How to Serve

In a black slow cooker, there is a single layer of evenly spaced, uncooked meatballs that are light brown with a rough texture. From above, a white bowl held by a woman's hand pours a thick, smooth, dark reddish-brown sauce directly onto the center of the meatballs, creating a shiny pool of sauce spreading outwards. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked, typically reducing slow cooker time by about 1 hour on LOW or 30 minutes on HIGH.

Is this recipe very boozy because of the bourbon?

The bourbon adds deep flavor but most of the alcohol cooks off during the slow cooking process, leaving a subtle but rich taste. If you prefer, you can replace bourbon with apple juice or skip it entirely.