Description
These Apple Butter Meatballs are savory, slightly sweet, and packed with warm fall flavors. Made with turkey sausage, ground beef, and a spiced apple butter glaze, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated red onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups gluten-free panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter, divided
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté grated red onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey sausage, ground beef, panko, 1/2 cup apple butter, sour cream, eggs, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Add in the cooled onions.
- Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.
- Portion out the meat mixture into 1-ounce balls (about 40–45 total). Roll tightly and place on the baking sheet, spaced closely but not touching.
- Bake meatballs for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup apple butter, beef broth, honey, and a dash or two of cayenne pepper to make the glaze.
- After 15 minutes, remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the glaze evenly over them.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Shake the baking sheet gently to loosen the meatballs. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, make the meatballs a day ahead and let them soak in the glaze before reheating.
- Can be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties.
- Substitute regular panko if gluten is not an issue.
- Adjust cayenne to control heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
