Sauerbraten Golden Apple Meatballs

This unique twist on classic German Sauerbraten features tender beef meatballs infused with fresh grated apple and savory spices. The meatballs are browned for a rich crust, then simmered in a tangy vinegar sauce sweetened with brown sugar and thickened with crushed gingersnaps. As they cook, wedges of Golden Delicious apples soften in the sauce, adding a bright, fruity counterpoint to the hearty beef. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. It pairs beautifully with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Baked Goods

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Calories: 435.3

Description

This unique twist on classic German Sauerbraten features tender beef meatballs infused with fresh grated apple and savory spices. The meatballs are browned for a rich crust, then simmered in a tangy vinegar sauce sweetened with brown sugar and thickened with crushed gingersnaps. As they cook, wedges of Golden Delicious apples soften in the sauce, adding a bright, fruity counterpoint to the hearty beef. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. It pairs beautifully with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.

Ingredients

3 Golden Delicious apples
1 1/2 pound Ground beef
1/2 cup Soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup Finely chopped onions
1 Egg
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Thyme
1 tablespoon Oil
1 cup Water
3 tablespoon Vinegar
1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Crushed gingersnap

Directions

1
Wash, peel, core, and grate one Golden Delicious apple to measure 1 cup.
2
In a large bowl, combine the grated apple, ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onions, egg, salt, pepper, and thyme.
3
Mix ingredients thoroughly until just combined, then shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5
Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden brown.
6
Drain excess fat from the skillet.
7
In a small bowl, combine water, vinegar, brown sugar, crushed gingersnaps, and 1 bay leaf.
8
Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the skillet and bring to a boil.
9
Meanwhile, core and cut the remaining two apples into wedges.
10
Add the apple wedges to the skillet.
11
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the apples are tender and meatballs are cooked through.
12
Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 435.3kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21.3g33%
Saturated Fat 7.6g38%
Cholesterol 119.6mg40%
Sodium 3469.5mg145%
Total Carbohydrate 25.8g9%
Dietary Fiber 2.9g12%
Sugars 8.1g
Protein 33.3g67%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Substitutions: You can use other firm apples like Granny Smith for a tartier flavor, or substitute gingersnaps with ginger cookie crumbs for a similar spice profile.

Tips: Ensure the meatballs are not packed too tightly when shaping to keep them tender. If the sauce is too thin after simmering, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the skillet to thicken.

Variations: Add a splash of apple cider or juice to the sauce for extra fruitiness.

Keywords: american, apple, apples, beef, boiling, bread, gingersnap, golden, ground, meatballs, onions, sauerbraten, simmering, vinegar

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sauerbraten-golden-apple-meatballs/