Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 cup apple butter
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs involves a series of simple steps:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 24-30 meatballs, depending on your preference for size.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the apple butter, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well combined.
4. Add to Slow Cooker: Pour half of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, place all the meatballs on top of the sauce.
5. Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
7. Garnish: Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
With these straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also pleases every palate at your dining table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 24-30 meatballs
- Calories: 210 kcal (per meatball, depending on ingredients)
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 14g