Applesauce Meatballs

This is a “memory food” dish handed down to me from my mother. She browned the meatballs before baking–I skip that step.

I also find that 45 minutes in the oven (especially if you are eliminating the ketchup/water sauce) is more than enough time to finish cooking the meatballs…unless you form giant meatballs that is. Mine are about the size of golf balls.

Want to change the sauce? Eliminate the ketchup and water and serve with warmed beef gravy or spaghetti/marinara sauce. Another great substitute: replace wheat germ with 1/4 cup oatmeal and 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef ½ cup wheat germ or bread crumbs ½ cup applesauce 1 egg 2 tablespoons finely grated onion	1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ½ cup ketchup ½ cups water
Cooking Instructions:
Mix together all ingredients except ketchup. Shape into 2″ meatballs and place in baking dish. Mix ketchup with water. Pour over meatballs. Bake covered at 350° for 1½ hours.