Healthy Beef Meatballs
Is there anything better than slow simmer Italian Meatballs? Using lean ground beef, these healthy Italian meatballs are tender, flavorful, and such a delicious meal your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 3garlic cloves
minced
- ½onion
diced
- 1 lb96% lean ground beef
- 2eggs
- 1 ozgrated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cfresh parsley
finely chopped, use 2 tbsp if you use dry parsley
- 1 tbspitalian seasoning
- ½ tbspkosher salt
- ½ tspblack pepper
- ½ tspcrushed red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cpanko breadcrumbs
s
- 1 tbspolive oil
- cooking spray
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- 2
Spray your preferred cooking spray into a pan or 1 tsp of EVOO, and saute onions with a pinch of salt until they are translucent and golden brown. If you are cooking sauce, save yourself the trouble and cook this in the pot you will cook your sauce in.
- 3
Once the onions begin to get nice and soft (about 5 minutes), add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30-45 seconds, and remove mixture to let cool.
- 4
Once the onion mixture is cool, add all ingredients into a bowl. Mix with wet hands, and form into golf ball sized meatballs. You can make 12 large meatballs or 20 smaller meatballs (points for both below)
- 5
BAKING METHOD: Add oil to the pan you cooked the onions in. Brown meatballs on all sides and finish in the oven. Bake at 400° F for 15-20 minutes. Allow meatballs to simmer in sauce for 5 minutes or more before serving.
- 6
Alternatively, you can pan fry the meatballs in a pot and add the partially cooked meatballs to sauce to finish cooking. Simmer in sauce and medium low for 50+ minutes until fully cooked.
About this Recipe
Savor the Flavor: Delicious & Healthy Beef Meatballs
Looking for a family-favorite meal that's both satisfying and smart? Our Healthy Beef Meatballs are the answer! Crafted with lean ground beef, these tender, juicy meatballs are bursting with classic Italian flavors, making them a perfect addition to your healthy eating plan. Whether you're following Weight Watchers or simply aiming for nutritious and delicious ground beef recipes, these meatballs are a total game-changer.
Why You'll Love These Lean Italian Meatballs
Forget bland and dry! These aren't just any beef meatballs; they're thoughtfully designed to be incredibly flavorful without the extra fat. Using 96% lean ground beef, along with aromatic garlic, onion, fresh parsley, and a blend of Italian seasonings, each bite is a taste of comfort. The touch of parmesan and panko breadcrumbs ensures a wonderfully tender texture that melts in your mouth. This recipe is an excellent way to enjoy your favorite Italian-inspired dishes while staying on track with your wellness goals. It's truly one of the best healthy Italian meatballs recipes you'll find!
Tips for Perfect Meatballs Every Time
Creating these flavorful lean beef meatballs is surprisingly simple.
- Mix Gently: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Combine ingredients just until incorporated.
- Uniform Size: Aim for similarly sized meatballs to ensure even cooking. A small scoop can help!
- Brown for Flavor: A quick sear in olive oil adds a beautiful crust and locks in the juices before they finish cooking, giving you that rich, savory taste.
Versatile Serving Suggestions
These healthy beef meatballs are incredibly versatile!
- Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a classic meal.
- Enjoy them as an appetizer, skewered with a cherry tomato and a basil leaf.
- Tuck them into a whole-wheat pita with some fresh greens and a light tzatziki for a unique lunch.
- Pair them with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a low-carb, high-protein dinner. They're a fantastic addition to any beef recipe weight watchers menu.