Baked Apples with Ground Beef & Cranberry Recipe – Easy Fall Dinner

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Baked Apples with Ground Beef & Cranberry Recipe – Easy Fall Dinner

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for cozy, comforting dinners, especially as the weather gets a little cooler. I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago, and it’s become a real family favorite. It’s a little unexpected, a little different, and so delicious. Baked apples filled with a savory-sweet ground beef and cranberry mixture? Trust me on this one! It’s a delightful twist on traditional stuffed apple recipes, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s apple pie (though, don’t get me wrong, I love a good apple pie!). This recipe is a complete meal in one – the apples are the “plate,” and the filling is a wonderfully flavorful combination of savory and sweet. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little special, or even for a festive fall gathering. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake is just heavenly!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

• 6 Apples
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 onion
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne
• 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.33 cup dried cranberries (about 80g)
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 0.5 cup walnut halves and pieces (about 60g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

Apples: Choosing the Right Variety

You want apples that hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala are all excellent choices. I’ve also had good luck with Fuji apples. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, as they tend to fall apart.

Coconut Oil: Benefits and Substitutes

I love using coconut oil for its subtle flavor and health benefits. But if you don’t have it on hand, you can easily substitute with olive oil or even butter. About 2 tablespoons will do the trick.

Spices: The Unique Blend of Cinnamon, Cayenne & Paprika

Don’t skip the spices! The combination of cinnamon, cayenne, and paprika might sound unusual, but it’s what gives this dish its depth of flavor. The cinnamon adds warmth, the cayenne a little kick, and the paprika a smoky undertone. It’s a beautiful balance!

Regional Variations in Stuffing Apples

Stuffing apples is a tradition with roots in many cultures! In some parts of India, you’ll find apples stuffed with khoya and nuts, sweetened with jaggery. This recipe takes inspiration from Western flavors, but the core idea of a flavorful filling inside a baked apple is universal.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure the apples bake evenly.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until softened and translucent.
3. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, salt, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s browned all over.
4. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped celery, walnuts, and fresh sage. Give everything a good mix.
5. Now for the fun part! Carefully scoop out the core of each apple, leaving about ½ inch of flesh around the sides. You want to create a little “bowl” for the filling.
6. Spoon the beef mixture into the hollowed apple halves. Don’t be shy – pack it in there!
7. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish. You can add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to help keep them moist.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overfill the apples, or the filling might spill out during baking.
• If your apples start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with foil.
• For a richer flavor, use a good quality ground beef.

Variations

Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tempeh. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. My friend, Priya, makes this with lentils all the time, and it’s fantastic!

Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your spices to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Or, if you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Festival Adaptations (Thanksgiving/Christmas): Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or dried apricots to the filling for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is pretty satisfying on its own, but here are a few side dish ideas:

• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables (like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes)
• Mashed potatoes or rice

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for baked apples?

Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Gala are all great choices. You want apples that hold their shape well during baking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, just scoop it into the apples and bake when you’re ready.

Is it possible to use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or lamb would also work well.

How can I adjust the sweetness of this dish?

If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of cranberries. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling to balance the flavors.

What are some good side dishes to serve with baked apples and beef?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables are perfect complements.

Can I freeze baked apples?

While you can freeze them, the texture of the apples might change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh!