Applesauce Meatballs(Easy)
Juicy meatballs infused with applesauce, baked in a tangy catsup glaze, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, applesauce, beaten egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form small walnut-sized balls from the mixture.
- Roll the meatballs in flour.
- Brown the meatballs in oil until golden.
- Place the browned meatballs in a shallow casserole dish.
- Combine water and catsup, then pour over the meatballs.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F for 35 minutes, stirring once or twice during baking.
- Serve the applesauce meatballs alone or over noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or Italian herbs into the meat mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats can work as substitutes. To save time, you can use pre-cooked meatballs from the freezer and just heat them up with the sauce. This dish is a delightful twist on traditional beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the applesauce meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a comforting meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced dish. For a fun twist, try serving with a side of quick stuffed cabbage for a hearty dinner option that complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave on medium power until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Meatballs(Easy) contains roughly 855 calories, with 14g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2605mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey may produce a slightly different texture, so ensure you don’t overcook them to keep them moist.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute with mashed bananas or pureed pears. Both will add moisture and sweetness to the meatballs, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before cooking. Just thaw in the refrigerator before cooking, and then follow the baking instructions as usual for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).