Slow Cooker Bourbon Meatballs
Oct 09, 2023, Updated Feb 03, 2024
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Looking for a simple meatball recipe to take your gathering to the next level? This recipe for bourbon meatballs is always a hit and you won’t believe how easy it is to make with the help of a slow cooker.
![Meatballs covered in sauce.](https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bourbon-meatballs.jpg)
Why I love this recipe
- Flavor – Even though there are only a few ingredients, the flavor of this sauce is so delicious.
- Easy – This meatball recipe can be prepped in about 5 minutes and only requires 4 ingredients.
Ingredients needed
- Frozen meatballs – Use your favorite frozen meatballs for this recipe. You could also use precooked homemade meatballs.
- Bourbon – You can use whatever bourbon you have on hand.
- Chili sauce – This can be found close to the ketchup at the grocery store.
- Apricot preserves – Adds a sweetness to the meatballs.
![Bag of frozen meatballs, bottle of chili sauce, apricot jam, and bourbon.](https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bourbon-meatballs-ingredients.jpg)
How to make bourbon meatballs in the slow cooker
Step one: Spray the inside of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
![Frozen meatballs in a slow cooker.](https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/frozen-bourbon-meatballs.jpg)
Step two: In a large bowl add chili sauce, apricot preserves, and bourbon. Stir to combine.
![Bowl of chili sauce and apricot preserves.](https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/slow-cooker-bourbon-meatballs.jpg)
Step three: Pour the mixture over the frozen meatballs. Stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 4 hours.
![Frozen meatballs in slow cooker with sauce.](https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/crockpot-bourbon-meatballs.jpg)
How to serve
These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with a toothpick or small fork. You can also serve them as a meal with a side dish like mashed potatoes, rice, or stuffing.
They are also great to serve on a bun for a sandwich.
How to store leftovers
Store: Keep in leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I would not recommend refreezing them.
Reheat: They can be reheated in the slow cooker or in a saucepan on the stove until heated through.
![Bowl of meatballs covered in sauce.](https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bourbon-meatballs-recipe.jpg)
Be sure to let me know if you make this recipe in the comments. If you are looking for more inspiration, check out these 30 crockpot meals.
More meatball recipes
- Best meatball side dishes
- 25 Best meatball recipes
- Swedish meatballs
- Meatball sandwich
- Air fryer turkey meatballs
![Meatballs in a red sauce.](https://www.foodlovinfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bourbon-meatballs-300x300.jpg)
Bourbon Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 26 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- 1 12 ounce chili sauce I like Heinz
- 1 12 ounce apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup bourbon
Instructions
- Spray the inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together chili sauce, apricot preserves, and bourbon.
- Pour frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour sauce mixture over meatballs and stir to coat. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 4 hours.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
At what setting on the crockpot do I use, high or low for 4 hours?
You can set it on high for 4 hours. Hope you enjoy!
Hi!
I haven’t made these yet. The recipe doesn’t indicate the whether the slow coocker setting should be low or high for 4 hours. I’ve noticed most slow coocker recipes do not have the setting.
If you watch the video the recipe indicates low setting