Legume Free Bison and Apple Meatballs
Ground bison is a lean, richly flavored meat that pairs beautifully with warm spices and sweet fruit, and this recipe leans into that combination in the most satisfying way. Grated Honeycrisp or Fuji apple gets squeezed dry before mixing in, which keeps the meatballs tender and cohesive rather than soggy ā a small step that makes a big difference. Cassava flour and arrowroot starch do all the binding and thickening work here, so there's no need for breadcrumbs, oats, or any grain- or legume-based filler. The pan sauce is where things get really special: apple cider, bone broth, and a splash of apple cider vinegar reduce down into something glossy and complex, with fresh rosemary tying it all together. Searing the meatballs first in coconut oil builds a caramelized crust, then a quick oven finish locks in the juices without drying them out. Whether you're navigating a strict elimination protocol or just trying to eat cleaner, this dish delivers serious comfort food energy without any of the usual compromises. Scatter some fresh parsley on top and serve straight from the skillet for a dinner that looks as good as it tastes.
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Learn more āIngredients
4 servings
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 medium apple (such as honeycrisp or fuji), peeled and grated
- 2 tbsp cassava flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Ā½ tsp ground ginger
- Ā¼ tsp ground turmeric
- Ā¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
For the pan sauce
- 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened, no additives)
- Ā½ cup bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tbsp cold water
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400Ā°F (205Ā°C). Grate the apple on the large holes of a box grater, then squeeze the grated apple firmly in your hands 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 bison, squeezed grated apple, cassava flour, garlic, parsley, thyme, ginger, turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon, and salt. Mix with your hands until just combined and uniform ā do not overwork the mixture.
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