Glazed Meatballs And Apples
Juicy meatballs glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, complemented by tender apples for a delightful twist. This dish offers a savory-sweet flavor profile, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of beef, apples, and a flavorful glaze makes it a comforting and versatile choice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the beaten egg with milk; stir in bread crumbs and salt.
- Add ground beef and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a shallow pan.
- Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, mix water, ketchup, and brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add cored and chunked apples to the saucepan.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, cornstarch, and dry mustard.
- Stir the soy sauce mixture into the apple mixture and cook for 2 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked meatballs into the saucepan.
- Heat through and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try adding chopped onions or garlic to the meatball mixture. If you're out of dry bread crumbs, you can substitute with crushed crackers or oats. Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your preference. This recipe also works well with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these glazed meatballs and apples over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. They pair wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside American recipes like coleslaw or a baked potato.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals until warmed through, ensuring the meatballs retain their moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Meatballs And Apples contains roughly 704 calories, with 6g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% 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 make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them before serving and follow the rest of the recipe for the glaze. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
For a balanced flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the glaze. Avoid overly soft apples, which may break down too much.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).