Alvera's Hearty Sauerbraten Meatballs
In honor of my beloved mother-in-law Alvera, who was known for her warm heart and hearty meals, this recipe brings the rich flavors of traditional Sauerbraten into the form of succulent meatballs. These meatballs are made with ground beef, seasoned with a blend of spices, and enriched with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and the unique crunch of gingersnap cookies. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a church potluck, these mouthwatering meatballs are simmered in a tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with buttered noodles, making them a delightful dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.
4
Servings
180
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
carrot
1 cup (grated)
onions
2 teaspoons (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
condensed beef broth
10.5 ounces (can)
water
3/4 cup (as needed)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
gingersnaps
8 (finely crushed)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated carrots, minced onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter.
2
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and brown them on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3
Once browned, carefully pour in the condensed beef broth, water, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the crushed gingersnaps, stirring gently to combine.
4
Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.
5
Once done, remove from heat and serve the meatballs over a bed of buttered noodles.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Alvera's Hearty Sauerbraten Meatballs?
They are a savory comfort food dish made from ground beef, carrots, and onions, simmered in a tangy sauce thickened with crushed gingersnaps, inspired by traditional German Sauerbraten.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used is one pound of raw ground beef.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the significance of gingersnaps in this recipe?
Gingersnaps provide a unique spicy-sweet flavor and act as a natural thickening agent for the sauce, which is characteristic of traditional Sauerbraten.
How large should I shape the meatballs?
The meat mixture should be shaped into meatballs that are roughly 1 inch in diameter.
What vegetables are mixed into the meatballs?
The meatballs include one cup of grated carrots and two teaspoons of minced onions.
How long should I brown the meatballs?
You should brown the meatballs in a skillet for approximately 5 to 7 minutes on all sides.
What liquids are used to make the sauce?
The sauce consists of 10.5 ounces of condensed beef broth, 3/4 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
After adding the sauce ingredients, cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
What should I serve with Sauerbraten Meatballs?
These meatballs are best served over a bed of buttered noodles.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 9.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 11.25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 11.25 grams of protein.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is approximately 0.75 grams of fiber per serving.
How many gingersnaps are required?
The recipe calls for 8 gingersnaps, which should be finely crushed.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While the recipe suggests freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Two tablespoons of oil are used for browning the meatballs; a neutral oil like vegetable or canola works well.
Why are carrots added to the meatball mixture?
Grated carrots add natural sweetness, moisture, and nutritional value to the meatballs.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The meat is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, the description highlights it as a perfect dish for a church potluck or a comforting family dinner.
How do I prepare the gingersnaps?
The gingersnaps should be finely crushed before being sprinkled into the skillet.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce will thicken slightly during the simmering process as the gingersnaps dissolve.
What type of onions should be used?
The recipe specifies two teaspoons of minced onions.
Is this a German-inspired recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as German cuisine and uses the flavors of traditional Sauerbraten.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was created in honor of the author's mother-in-law, Alvera.
Do I need to add extra water to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of water, but notes it can be adjusted as needed for the desired sauce consistency.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the meatballs in advance or store the finished dish to reheat later, as the flavors often deepen over time.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and involves straightforward preparation and cooking steps.