Garden Veggie and Herb Meatballs
Try this Garden Veggie and Herb Meatballs recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Garden Veggie and Herb Meatballs recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 egg whipped
- 1 pound ground beef preferably grass fed and pastured
- 1 cups packed shredded vegetables (i used zucchini yellow summer squash, and carrot)
- 2 tbs fresh herbs finely chopped (basil, cilantro, or parsley) ~ i used all 3
- 1/4 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp herbamare seasoning (i use this one) or 1 and 1/4
- 2 pinches of celtic sea salt
- Carbohydrate 0.211075 g
- Cholesterol 15.42214058 mg
- Fat 3.404567775 g
- Fiber 0.0286250004172325 g
- Protein 4.24716607915 g
- Saturated Fat 1.33118642121 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -24 small meatball (24g)
- Sodium 15.06604821 mg
- Sugar 0.182449999582768 g
- Trans Fat 0.487693909195 g
- Calories 50 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place shredded vegetables into a colander in the sink. Sprinkle with 2 pinches of sea salt and mix well. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Then place veggies into a clean hand towel and SQUEEZE out all of the moisture in them. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, puree onion and garlic together in a small food processor.
- Combine ground beef, squeezed out veggies, onion/garlic mixture, chopped herbs, herbamare (or plain sea salt), and egg in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until well combined
- Roll into desired sized meatballs and place onto baking sheet
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until brown and cooked all the way through
- Serve immediately OR allow to cool and freeze for later
Garden Veggie and Herb Meatballs: A Busy Mom's Delight
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel impossible. But what if I told you there's a recipe that's both nutritious and surprisingly quick to prepare? Enter these Garden Veggie and Herb Meatballs – a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Forget about complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. These meatballs are a testament to the fact that simple can be spectacular. The key is to prep the vegetables efficiently. I usually do this while my kids are watching cartoons on Saturday morning - it’s a great way to multi-task. Shredding the zucchini, yellow squash, and carrots takes just minutes. The secret to perfectly textured meatballs? Squeezing out excess moisture from the veggies before mixing everything together. Trust me, this small step makes a big difference!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. Basil, cilantro, and parsley are my go-tos, providing a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the ground beef beautifully. If you're aiming for a leaner meal, opt for grass-fed and pastured beef. And if you're not a fan of herbamare, a simple sprinkle of sea salt works just as well.
Once the meatballs are baked (a mere 25-30 minutes!), the possibilities are endless. Serve them immediately over a bed of zucchini noodles or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. Or, prepare a big batch on the weekend and freeze them for those crazy busy weeknights. Just pop them in the oven or microwave when you need a quick and healthy dinner solution.
These Garden Veggie and Herb Meatballs are more than just a recipe; they're a time-saving solution, a healthy choice, and a delicious way to add variety to your family's dinner rotation. So next time you're short on time but craving a home-cooked meal, reach for this recipe. It's a small act of self-care that will make a world of difference in your busy life. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cheese please: Incorporate shredded parmesan or mozzarella cheese into the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Sauce it up: Serve your meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce, pesto, or a simple balsamic glaze.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve your meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
- Meal prep friendly: Prepare a large batch of meatballs on the weekend and store them in the freezer for easy weeknight meals. They freeze beautifully!
This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and satisfying. It's a recipe born from the heart of a busy mom who understands the importance of quick, healthy, and flavorful meals. It’s a recipe that nourishes not only the body but also the soul, reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, a home-cooked meal can bring joy and connection to our families. It’s my hope that this recipe becomes a staple in your home as much as it is in mine.
