Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs are a perfect cozy dish that blends sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. Combining the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of apple cider, these meatballs make a delicious appetizer or family meal, especially during the fall season.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked meatballs
• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider, maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir gently to coat them evenly with the glaze.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even coating.
5. Step 5: Once heated through and nicely glazed, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
• Choose fresh apple cider (not apple juice) and 100% pure maple syrup for the best taste.
• Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure even glazing and to prevent sticking.
• Serve meatballs as sliders with brie or coleslaw for a fun twist.
• Reduce maple syrup to ½ cup for a less sweet glaze.
• Add cooked lentils or shredded vegetables to increase fiber and nutrition.
• Use low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to control salt levels.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a slow cooker or on the stove until heated through. The sauce can also be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for up to 3 months. For freezer storage, freeze meatballs in sauce and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use homemade fully cooked meatballs. Make sure they are cooked through before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker is ideal for developing flavor and ease, you can simmer the meatballs with the sauce in a covered saucepan over low heat for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 65 reviews

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs combine the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider and pure maple syrup with savory fully-cooked meatballs, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe is perfect for cozy fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or game day parties, offering a deliciously glazed, tender meatball dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meatballs

• 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked meatballs

Sauce

• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Add Meatballs: Place the frozen fully-cooked meatballs into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread out for uniform cooking.
2. Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider, pure maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all meatballs evenly with the glaze.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. During cooking, stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking and ensure even glaze coverage.
5. Season and Garnish: After cooking, taste the meatballs and add salt and pepper as needed. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

• Do not overcrowd the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and glazing of meatballs.
• Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking if possible to prevent sticking and promote thorough sauce coverage.
• Use high-quality fresh apple cider (not apple juice) and 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• This dish can be made with beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs.
• For a less sweet version, reduce maple syrup to ½ cup.
• Use low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to reduce salt content.
• The sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Fully cook homemade meatballs before adding to the slow cooker to maintain shape and texture.

Keywords: slow cooker meatballs, apple cider meatballs, maple syrup meatballs, fall recipes, easy appetizer, game day recipe, holiday party food