Sometimes the best recipes are the oldest. I found the following recipe for Applesauce Meatballs in my grandma’s recipe book. This tattered three-ring binder is held together using many different types of tape, yet the contents are priceless. You see, this little binder holds all the recipes my grandma collected over her 66+ years of marriage to my grandpa. I plan to add many of Grandma’s favorites to my blog. (Fun fact: This recipe is at least 85+ years old, as it is listed as my great-grandma’s in the recipe book.) After making Grandma’s recipe and adding a few of my own touches, Applesauce Meatballs is definitely one of the recipes I will make again and again. My little picky eater cleaned his plate! For me, that’s a success! 🙂
Applesauce Meatballs Recipe…
Applesauce and meatballs might sound like an interesting combination to you, but I assure you, they are a must try! The flavor of the applesauce isn’t really present, but the slight sweetness and moisture help to create a perfect meatball. Be sure to use high-quality beef with a low percentage of fat and your family will consider you a dinner-time HERO!
If you’re wondering about the yellow flakes in the meatballs, don’t worry! I know they look a little weird, but these are another “secret” ingredient…corn flakes! The flakes completely melt away during cooking, yet work as a binder in the recipe.
Preparation for Applesauce Meatballs couldn’t be easier. I pan-fried each side of the meatball for 3-4 minutes and then finished the recipe by baking in the oven. I smothered the meatballs with my favorite “clean” pasta sauce. If you’d like that recipe, please click here. The sauce is full of Italian flavors and simmers while the meatballs are coming together.
I feel so blessed to share this recipe with you! Family recipes are treasures, and making recipes from scratch with good, out-of-the-box ingredients makes me incredibly happy! I don’t mind spending a little extra time in the kitchen after working all day when I know I’m making a recipe my family will enjoy, and we’ll have leftovers for a busy night later in the week. For me, making sure we don’t eat overly processed food is worth it!
Old Fashioned Applesauce Meatballs
Notes
Sprinkling fresh basil on the top of the meatballs when serving adds nice, fresh, flavor and color.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1 c. crushed corn flakes
- 1/2 c. applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 t. black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine
- 1 recipe "Clean Eating Pasta Sauce"
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9x13 and 7x11 baking dish. (Other sizes may be used, too.)
- Begin by preparing the pasta sauce. Allow to simmer while making the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, applesauce, corn flakes, egg, salt, pepper, and onion until well mixed.
- Using a 1 1/2 T. scoop, measure out 36 meatballs.
- Heat 2 T. olive oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook half of meatballs at a time, being sure to cook each side of the meatball until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Divide partially cooked meatballs between baking dishes. (Add 24 to 9x13 and 12 to 7x11 dish.)
- Divide pasta sauce between the pans, adding approximately 2 cups to the 9x13 pan and 1 1/2 c. to the 7x11 pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until meatballs test 165° F in their centers.
- Serve with pasta of choice or simply with a fresh salad.