Description
Apple Butter Meatballs are a sweet and savory treat that brings a unique twist to the traditional meatball. Made with tender ground meat, these meatballs are cooked in a rich apple butter sauce, giving them a delightful, slightly tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the meat. This dish is perfect for parties, a cozy dinner, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Apple Butter Sauce:
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Make the meatballs:
a. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
b. Mix everything together until fully combined.
c. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and set them aside. -
Cook the meatballs:
a. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
b. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. -
Prepare the apple butter sauce:
a. In the same skillet, combine the apple butter, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir the sauce until well combined and heated through.
b. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. -
Combine the meatballs with the sauce:
a. Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently toss them in the apple butter sauce until they are well coated.
b. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
a. Serve the apple butter meatballs hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional sauce, if desired.
Notes
- For a different flavor profile, you can add a touch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Serve these meatballs as an appetizer or with mashed potatoes or rice for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg