Meatballs are a quick, make-ahead option for turning ground turkey, chicken or lean beef into dinner. You can roll and freeze uncooked meatballs when you have time. Then thaw and bake for 15 minutes on a busy night.
Need ideas for serving meatballs? Make meatball subs made with whole-wheat buns, marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Or toss meatballs with chicken broth, kale and white beans for a quick soup. Finally, for a low-carb twist on spaghetti and meatballs, trade your usual pasta for roasted spaghetti squash strands.
Stock your freezer with homemade meatballs
Freeze uncooked meatballs. Then, thaw and bake for 15 minutes. Add to soups, subs or baked spaghetti squash for a quick dinner.
Italian meatballs
In a small pan, saute 1/3 large onion and 2 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Allow to cool. In a medium bowl, combine cooked onions, 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup chopped Italian parsley, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Add 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef. Gently mix and form into 1-inch balls.
Chicken sausage meatballs
In a small pan, saute 1/4 cup chopped onion and 1 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Allow to cool. In a medium bowl, combine cooked onions, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon ground fennel, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Add 1 pound ground chicken breast. Gently mix and form into 1-inch balls.
Created by the executive wellness chef and registered dietitians at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program.
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