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–+ servings
Apple and herb meatballs on a black plate with fresh thyme on top.

Easy Apple and Herb Meatball Recipe

Apple and Herb Meatballs are the perfect protein packed recipe to pair with your favorite fall pasta dish, salad, or enjoy as a simple appetizer! They come out juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 345 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Egg
  • ½ Cup Shredded Honeycrisp Apple Finely chopped will work too!
  • ⅓ Cup Shredded Onion Finely chopped will work too!
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • ½ Teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by shredding the apple and onion with a large box grater. You can also finely chop the onion and apple if you don't have a grater.
  • Add the ground beef, apple, onion, egg, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme into a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix together.
  • Next, use a cookie scoop or spoon to make about 20-25 meatballs. Place them on a parchment paper lined plate or baking sheet.
  • Add each meatball into a preheated skillet with avocado oil or olive oil. Cook on medium heat until meatballs are golden brown on all sides.

Notes

Expert Tips

  • Use a stand mixer to blend the meatball mixture to save time. Add all of your ingredients into the mixing bowl, turn the mixer on a low speed, and blend until it's fully combined! 
  • It's important not to over mix or else the meatballs will be tough.
  • Want the perfect size meatballs? Use a ice cream scoop! I use the scoop to get the mixture out of the bowl, then give them a quick touch up with my hand to make sure they're round.
  • Because of the apple and onion, the meatballs will release a lot of water when they are cooking. Keep the cover off to release excess water and drain the meatballs before adding them to the sauce.
  • I'll be honest, it's not easy to grate the onion but the results are great! You can finely chop the onion if it's easier.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover meatballs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
You can also freeze cooked meatballs in an airtight container for 2-3 months!
** See full post for more information and step by step photos!

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 29gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 498mgPotassium: 483mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 3mg
Keywords apple and herb beef meatballs, apple herb meatballs, beef meatballs, fall herb meatballs
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