Description
These Apple Butter Meatballs offer a delightful twist on classic meatballs with a sweet and tangy apple butter sauce. Ground beef or turkey meatballs are seasoned with herbs and Parmesan, then cooked until browned. They are simmered in a uniquely spiced apple butter sauce, combining ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. Perfect as a savory appetizer or a flavorful main dish, these meatballs balance sweetness and umami for a crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
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 ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and set them aside.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the apple butter sauce: Using the same skillet, combine apple butter, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and heat the sauce until it begins to simmer. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine the meatballs with the sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat them evenly. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.
- Serve: Plate the apple butter meatballs hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or additional sauce for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- Adjust the sweetness by omitting or adding the optional brown sugar in the sauce.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
