Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs: Sweet Savory Dinner Recipe

Apple butter meatballs are an easy slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for autumn. With almost no prep, these sweet-and-tangy meatballs work well as a main served over rice or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

I almost always keep a bag of frozen meatballs on hand — either my own homemade batch or a large bag of homestyle meatballs from Costco. I don’t keep them just for spaghetti or subs; frozen meatballs are one of the most versatile pantry items you can have.

These apple butter meatballs are different from traditional saucy or Swedish-style meatballs. The apple butter and barbecue sauce combine to create a bold, fruity barbecue flavor that’s sweet with a bit of bite. They’re an excellent way to break out of a dinner rut and also make a quick, tasty party appetizer.

Best of all: there’s almost zero prep required.

Ingredients

To make these you’ll need:

• Frozen meatballs – Use original or homestyle frozen meatballs if you’re not using homemade.
• Apple butter – Homemade or store-bought works fine.
• Barbecue sauce – Use your favorite brand; the type will affect sweetness and heat.
• For serving (optional) – Chopped green bell pepper and steamed white rice to turn the dish into a full meal.

How to Make

These slow cooker apple butter meatballs are very simple to prepare:

• Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple butter and barbecue sauce until smooth.
• Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 3½ hours, stirring well halfway through the cook time.
• Before serving, stir again and serve warm. Enjoy over steamed rice with a sprinkle of chopped green pepper, or serve straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks as an appetizer.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat portions in the microwave or gently warm them on the stove until heated through.

Tips and Tricks

• The barbecue sauce controls heat level: choose a mild sauce for a sweeter result or a spicy sauce for sweet-and-spicy meatballs.
• This recipe works with beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs—use whatever you have on hand.
• You can substitute other fruit butters if desired; apple butter keeps an autumnal flavor, while pumpkin butter is another seasonal option.

Other Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes

Apple butter slow cooker meatballs bring a touch of fall to your table, whether served as a main over rice or as a party appetizer. If you like trying different slow cooker meatball flavors, consider other variations such as honey buffalo, Asian-style, peach bourbon, or Hawaiian meatballs for more easy, hands-off recipes.

If you try these APPLE BUTTER MEATBALLS or other recipes, feel free to share how they turned out in the comments. We love hearing from readers!