By Caitlin Quinn, BU Dietetic Intern

I prepared this basic meatball recipe in our Healthy Cooking on a Budget class.  Who says all beef is bad?  This meatball recipe uses 93% lean beef and fresh vegetables and quinoa for added flavor and fiber!  This recipe is quick and easy but versatile as well.  If you’re looking for a twist on a meatball sub try adding a chopped jalapeño and some chili powder.  The flavor possibilities are endless when using the meatball base and they freeze well too!

Basic Meatballs

Ingredients

½ lb 93-96% lean ground beef
1/4 cup cooked quinoa
1 clove of garlic minced
1/2 green bell pepper diced
1/2 onion diced
¼ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1 egg
2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup parmesan cheese
Non stick cooking spray

Directions

1.       Cook quinoa according to directions on package.

2.       While quinoa is cooking preheat oven to 350°F and mince garlic, pepper and onion.

3.       In a large bowl mix beef, quinoa, pepper, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, egg, cheese, and black pepper.  Combine using a potato masher or clean hands.

4.       Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray and form 1-2” meatballs using hands or melon scoop.  Place in oven for 25-30 minutes.

5.       While meatballs are cooking heat tomato sauce in a medium sauce pan and add meatballs to sauce when cooked.  Simmer for 2-3 minutes before serving.

NUTRITION FACTS (3 meatballs)

Enjoy!