Chestnut Free Apple & Sage Beef Meatballs
These savory-sweet meatballs bring together ground beef, fresh apple, and aromatic sage in a way that feels both comforting and a little unexpected. Grating and squeezing the apple before mixing it in is the key move here ā it adds subtle sweetness and moisture without weighing the meatballs down or making them dense. Cassava flour binds everything together beautifully, and warm spices like Ceylon cinnamon, turmeric, and fresh ginger give each bite a gentle depth that pairs perfectly with the pan sauce. That sauce ā built from unsweetened apple cider and bone broth, then thickened with arrowroot ā is the kind of thing you'll want to spoon over everything. Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward and easy to source, so there's no need to scrutinize labels for hidden tree nut derivatives or worry about unexpected additions sneaking in. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want something a little more interesting than a standard weeknight dinner, these glazed meatballs deliver serious flavor with a clean, unfussy ingredient list.
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!