Spicy Apple-Glazed Meatballs

Submitted by ElizabethKnicely

"Our sweet apple glaze makes all the difference in this savory homemade recipe. Tight on time? Use frozen meatballs instead. Cook time includes 10 minute standing time. Budget dinner price: $0.90 per serving."

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Ready In:: 42mins
Ingredients:: 15
Yields:: 48 meatballs
Serves:: 12

ingredients

SPICY MEATBALLS
1 egg
¹⁄₄ cup milk
2 slices white bread or 2 slices whole wheat bread, torn
1 lb 85% lean ground beef
4 garlic cloves, minced
¹⁄₂ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
APPLE GLAZE
1 cup apple juice or 1 cup pear nectar
¹⁄₄ reduced sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons cornstarch
¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 green onions, chopped

directions

For Spicy Meatballs, in a large bowl whisk together egg and milk. Add bread. Let stand 10 minutes, just until bread is softened. Add beef, garlic, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly with hands or wooden spoon. Shape beef mixture in 48 one-inch meatballs.
In a 12-inch skillet heat oil over medium heat. Cook meatballs, half at a time, about 6 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until brown and crusty on outside and no longer pink inside. Transfer meatballs to a covered dish; cover to keep warm. Drain fat from skillet; wipe out skillet.
For Apple Glaze, in a small bowl combine apple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and cayenne pepper. In same skillet at meatballs were cooked, cook and stir mixture until thickened and bubbly (at full boil). Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Return meatballs to skillet to heat through and coat with sauce. Transfer glazed meatballs to a serving dish. Top with green onions.