Description

Enjoy a unique twist on classic meatballs that balances savory spices with the sweet and tangy flavor of apple butter. These meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish—ideal for cozy fall dinners or any time you crave a comforting, inventive bite.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra juiciness)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Apple Butter Sauce:
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground cloves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter).
Bake the Meatballs:
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Apple Butter Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, transfer the apple butter to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Allow the sauce to warm and bubble gently for about 3–4 minutes.
Combine & Simmer:
- Once the meatballs are baked, add them to the skillet with the sauce.
- Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the apple butter mixture.
- Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serve:
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, spoon a little extra sauce over the top, and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
• Adjust the seasoning in the sauce to balance the sweetness and tanginess according to your taste.
• These meatballs can be served over rice, with mashed potatoes, or simply enjoyed on their

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 meatballs
Calories: ~150 kcal
Sugar: ~5 g
Sodium: ~300 mg
Fat: ~10 g
Saturated Fat: ~3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
Fiber: ~1 g
Protein: ~12 g
Cholesterol: ~40 mg