Description
These Apple Butter Meatballs combine savory ground meat with a sweet and tangy apple butter sauce, creating a delightful dish perfect for appetizers or a main course. Ground beef or turkey meatballs are browned to perfection and simmered in a flavorful sauce made with apple butter, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, offering a unique twist on classic meatballs.
Ingredients
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)
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: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Then, shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and set them aside.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding the skillet. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly and ensure they are fully cooked through. Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the apple butter sauce: In the same skillet used for the meatballs, combine the apple butter, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (optional for added sweetness), ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well and heat it until it begins to simmer. Allow the sauce to cook gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine the meatballs with the sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Gently toss them in the apple butter sauce to fully coat each meatball. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the apple butter meatballs hot, garnished if desired with fresh herbs such as parsley or additional sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or pork if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- The brown sugar in the sauce is optional; adjust sweetness according to taste.
- If you like a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- These meatballs are great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
