Healthy Meatball Recipe with Zucchini

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Topics | Healthy Recipes, Nutrition

 

Meatball Recipe with a Zucchini Twist

Are you tired of making the same old unhealthy meatball recipe or meatball sandwich recipe, or fried zucchini recipe? Don’t worry – we have a fresh alternative healthy meatball recipe for you. This is a fun recipe you can use every week to help your family get both their protein and veggies in one dish!

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • 1 lb. Lean ground beef
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups Marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cut the zucchinis in half and scoop out insides into a large bowl.
  2. Place in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until mostly tender. Remove from oven and turn broiler to high.
  4. Make meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together beef, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Form into small meatballs.
  5. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat, heat add in 1 Tbsp of olive oil.
  6. Add meatballs in a single layer and sear on all sides until a nice crispy crust develops, about 2 minutes per side.
  7. Pour marinara around the meatballs and stir until the meatballs are fully sauced. Simmer for 10 more minutes. Remove from heat.
  8. Fill zucchini boats with meatballs and top with mozzarella. Broil until cheese is melty, 3 to 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley and serve hot.
  10. Enjoy!

 

By Siera Capesius, B.Sc. Human Nutrition, Dietetic