For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato juice mixture for a touch of heat. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato juice mixture before pouring it over the meatballs. These meatballs are excellent served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Applesauce Meatballs
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PREP TIME25 mins
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COOK TIME1 hrs 10 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 35 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS49
A delightful fusion of sweet and savory, these Applesauce Meatballs offer a uniquely comforting and flavorful experience. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato and applesauce infused sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect as a hearty main course, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate57 g
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Cholesterol104 mg
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Fiber6 g
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Protein28 g
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Saturated Fat7 g
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Sodium1086 mg
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Sugar22 g
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Fat20 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (5 minutes)
02
StepIn a large bowl, gently combine the applesauce, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and ground beef until just blended. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. (5 minutes)
03
StepUsing your hands, form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs. Lightly dredge each meatball in flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help them brown nicely and thicken the sauce. (15 minutes)
04
StepHeat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. They do not need to be cooked through at this point. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and set aside. (15 minutes)
05
StepIn the same skillet, add the sliced carrots and onions. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Pour in the tomato juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. (10 minutes)
06
StepPour the tomato juice mixture over the meatballs in the baking dish, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. (2 minutes)
07
StepBake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the meatballs are cooked through. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the meatballs to brown slightly and the sauce to thicken. (55 minutes)
08
StepRemove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, spooning the delicious sauce over the meatballs.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Randy Schaden
Jun 13, 2025I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, and it was delicious!
Elian Skilesmraz
Mar 30, 2025This is going into my regular rotation of dinner recipes. Thank you!
Emmy Kreiger
Mar 20, 2025I thought the tomato juice was too acidic at first but after baking, it was surprisingly delicious and I recommend it for everyone.
Nova Lockman
Mar 14, 2025These were a hit with my family! The applesauce adds a lovely subtle sweetness.
Vaughn Huelbechtelar
Mar 8, 2025Recommend adding a pinch of garlic powder to the meat mixture
Meredith Langosh
Feb 23, 2025The recipe was easy to follow, and the meatballs came out perfectly tender.
Ervin Pfeffer
Jan 3, 2025My kids are picky eaters, but they loved these meatballs!
Jamey Hilpert
Dec 11, 2024I used ground turkey instead of beef, and they were still fantastic.