Brazil Nut Free Apple & Sage Beef Meatballs
Warm spices, sweet apple, and earthy sage come together in these tender beef meatballs for a combination that feels both comforting and a little unexpected. Grating and squeezing the apple before mixing it in is the secret to a meatball that stays light and holds its shape rather than turning dense ā a small step that makes a real difference. Cassava flour binds everything together beautifully, and the Ceylon cinnamon and turmeric give each bite a subtle, aromatic depth without overpowering the savory beef. The pan sauce is where things really shine: unsweetened apple cider and bone broth deglaze all those caramelized bits from the skillet, and a touch of arrowroot starch pulls it into a glossy, spoon-coating glaze that clings to every meatball. Every ingredient here is straightforward and free from tree nut derivatives, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additions sneaking into your dinner. These are the kind of meatballs that work just as well over a simple side of roasted vegetables as they do straight from the pan with a fork.
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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.
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