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Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs

Savory Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs Delight

These Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Butter Meatballs are a comforting dish bursting with flavors, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 24 meatballs
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb Ground beef or ground turkey Use your preferred choice for a flavorful base.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Preferably panko for a delightful crunch.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese Adds a rich, savory depth.
  • ¼ cup Chopped fresh parsley Adds freshness to the meat mixture.
  • 1 large Egg Binds the meatball ingredients.
  • 2 teaspoons Minced garlic Enhances the savory flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper Adds warmth and spice.

For the Bourbon Apple Butter Sauce

  • ½ cup Bourbon Infuses rich smoky sweetness.
  • 1 cup Apple butter The star ingredient for sweetness.
  • ¼ cup Barbecue sauce Adds extra tang and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances the umami taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warmth and a delightful flavor note.

Optional Garnish

  • 1 cup Sliced green onions For a refreshing crunch.

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well for about 5 minutes.
  • Shape the meat mixture into roughly 1 to 1.5 inch meatballs, yielding approximately 20 to 24 meatballs. This step takes around 10 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together bourbon, apple butter, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
  • Place the shaped meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the bourbon apple butter sauce over them.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 to 6 hours until the meatballs are tender and infused with flavor.
  • Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meatballs onto a serving platter and drizzle with additional sauce.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to enhance presentation and taste.

Notes

These meatballs are great as leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Apple Butter, Bourbon, Comfort Food, Freezer-Friendly, meatballs, slow cooker
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