Pistachio Free Apple & Sage Beef Meatballs
Warm spices, sweet apple, and earthy sage come together in these beef meatballs for a combination that feels both comforting and a little unexpected. Grating and squeezing the apple before mixing it in is the kind of small technique that makes a real difference ā it keeps the texture tight and satisfying rather than soft and dense. The pan sauce is where things get really good: apple cider and bone broth deglaze all those caramelized bits from the skillet, and a quick arrowroot slurry pulls it into a glossy, lightly sweet glaze that coats every meatball. Ceylon cinnamon and turmeric add warmth without tipping into dessert territory, and the fresh sage keeps the whole thing grounded and savory. For anyone navigating tree nut allergies or sensitivities, this recipe is naturally free of the usual suspects ā no nut-based binders, no nut oils, nothing hiding in the sauce. Every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of weeknight cooking. Serve them straight from the skillet with a scatter of fresh sage and watch them disappear fast.
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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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