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Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs

Savory Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs to Savor

Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs combine tender meatballs with a sweet and tangy sauce for a comforting meal. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 24 meatballs
Course: Dinners
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey choose turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko for added crunch
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and moisture
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley adds color and taste
  • 1 large egg acts as a binder
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic adds aroma and depth
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances flavors
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper balances sweetness
For the Sauce
  • ½ cup bourbon infuses richness
  • 1 cup apple butter adds sweet and tangy dimension
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce adds flavor and sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce adds umami
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon complements apple butter
Optional Garnish
  • 1 bunch sliced green onions adds fresh flavor and color

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, forming approximately 20 to 24 meatballs.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together bourbon, apple butter, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and cinnamon until smooth.
  4. Grease the slow cooker, layer the meatballs, and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
  5. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Carefully use a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, drizzling some sauce over them.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking. Let them marinate in sauce for enhanced flavor.

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