Savory Apple Butter Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Transform your meal with these Savory Apple Butter Meatballs, a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that come together effortlessly in a crock pot. This recipe perfectly balances the sweetness of apple butter with the richness of pasta sauce and the freshness of diced tomatoes. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Serve it over rice for a wholesome one-dish meal that the whole family will love. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy meatballs!
12
Servings
208
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta Sauce
28 ounces (Choose your favorite variety.)
Apple Butter
16 ounces (Use homemade or store-bought.)
Diced Tomatoes
20 ounces (Canned, with juices.)
Onion Powder
1 tablespoon (For flavor enhancement.)
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon (To boost savory notes.)
Liquid Smoke
1 tablespoon (For a smoky depth of flavor.)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed for best flavor.)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Frozen Meatballs
64 ounces (Use store-bought or homemade meatballs.)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, combine pasta sauce, apple butter, diced tomatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, liquid smoke, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
2
Gently add the frozen meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture.
3
Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on high for 2 hours. After this time, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once cooked, serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of warm rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your savory creation!
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Apple Butter Meatballs in Tomato Sauce?
They are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors made by slow-cooking meatballs with apple butter, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of these meatballs?
Each serving contains approximately 208 calories.
What is the total cooking time in the crock pot?
The total cooking time is 6 hours: 2 hours on high followed by 4 hours on low.
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either store-bought frozen meatballs or your own homemade meatballs.
What is the main equipment needed for this recipe?
A large crock pot or slow cooker is the primary equipment needed.
What kind of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use 28 ounces of your favorite variety of pasta sauce.
Is the apple butter homemade or store-bought?
You can use either homemade or store-bought apple butter for this recipe.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use 20 ounces of canned diced tomatoes including their juices.
What does liquid smoke add to the dish?
Liquid smoke provides a smoky depth of flavor to the tomato and apple butter sauce.
How much fat is in each serving?
There is approximately 6.7g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides approximately 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the recommended way to serve these meatballs?
It is recommended to serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of warm rice.
Why is lemon juice included in the recipe?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to brighten the flavors and add a hint of acidity.
How much onion powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of onion powder for flavor enhancement.
How much garlic powder is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to boost the savory notes.
What is the total weight of meatballs used?
The recipe requires 64 ounces of frozen meatballs.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to your personal taste preference.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is an easy crock pot recipe that is ideal for busy weeknights.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich sauce and satisfying nature.
How do I prepare the sauce in the crock pot?
Combine pasta sauce, apple butter, tomatoes, spices, liquid smoke, and lemon juice in the crock pot and stir well.
Should the meatballs be coated in the sauce?
Yes, ensure the meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce mixture before starting the cooking process.
Can this meal be served at gatherings?
Absolutely, it is great for cozy gatherings and serves a large number of people.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Does the recipe use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
How much apple butter is used?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of apple butter.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The primary flavors are sweet, tangy, and savory with a hint of smokiness.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs which makes the preparation very quick.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine all the sauce ingredients and spices in a large crock pot and stir well.