Healthy Meatballs Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
246 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Healthy Meatballs Recipe
Description
This recipe combines ground beef (96% lean) with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, minced fresh garlic, Italian bread crumbs, whisked eggs, freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, and lukewarm water to create moist, well-seasoned meatballs. The ingredients are mixed by hand until evenly combined and shaped into roughly one-inch meatballs.
They are seared in batches over medium-high heat using olive oil to form a lightly browned crust, turning frequently for about 2 minutes per side. After removing the meatballs, the skillet is deglazed with marinara sauce, incorporating browned bits for enhanced flavor. The meatballs return to the pan and simmer in the marinara for 30 to 45 minutes, softening further and absorbing the sauce's tomato and herb notes.
These meatballs can be served warm atop pasta or inside meatball subs, pairing well with a robust tomato sauce and complementing sides. The recipe emphasizes texture balance, with searing to create a crust and slow cooking in sauce for tenderness.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 96% lean
- 3/4 cup cheese freshly grated, Romano or Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced, fresh
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 egg whisked
- 1 1/2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 cup water lukewarm
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the meatballs
- 2 marinara sauce your favorite, in jars
Instructions
- In a large bowl add all ingredients (except olive oil and marinara sauce) and combine with your hands until everything is mixed through.
- Shape into 1 inch meatballs.
- Heat a large pot or skillet over medium high heat.
- Sear meatballs in two batches using 1 tablespoon of olive oil each time. Turn the meatballs about 3 times and cook them 2 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat and set aside on a plate. Repeat this process until all meatballs are cooked.
- On the same pot or skillet, add the marinara sauce and deglaze until all of the brown bits from the meat blend into the sauce.
- Return the meatballs to the pot and cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until soft.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Serve these meatballs with your preferred pasta or as a filling in a meatball sub sandwich.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 246 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4meatballs | |
| Calories | 246kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 536mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 57mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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