Black Pepper Free Apple & Sage Beef Meatballs
Avoiding black pepper doesn't mean settling for bland, and these meatballs are proof. Grated apple folded into the beef brings a subtle natural sweetness, while fresh sage, warm Ceylon cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger create a layered, aromatic flavor that more than fills the void left by the usual spice rack staple. Squeezing the moisture out of the grated apple before mixing is a smart little trick that keeps the texture tender and tight rather than dense or soggy. The sear in coconut oil builds a deep, caramelized crust on every meatball, and then the pan sauce ā made with unsweetened apple cider, bone broth, and a touch of arrowroot ā pulls all those browned bits into a glossy, cider-kissed glaze that coats each one beautifully. It's the kind of dish that feels special enough for a dinner party but is genuinely straightforward to pull off on a weeknight. Serve them over mashed root vegetables or alongside roasted greens and let that sauce do all the talking.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more āIngredients
4 servings
For the meatballs
- 1 Ā½ lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 medium apple (such as honeycrisp or fuji), peeled and finely grated
- 3 tbsp cassava flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- Ā½ tsp ground turmeric
- Ā½ tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
For searing
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
For the pan sauce
- Ā¾ cup apple cider (unsweetened)
- Ā¾ cup bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp arrowroot starch
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Grate the apple on the fine side of a box grater, then squeeze the grated apple firmly in your hand or in a clean kitchen towel over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible ā this keeps the meatballs from becoming dense and wet.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, squeezed grated apple, cassava flour, garlic, chopped sage, ginger, turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon, and salt. Mix with your hands until just combined and uniform ā do not overwork the meat.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!