Make-ahead Meatballs!!
Tonight’s dinner – meatballs! Now, I know that meatballs may be not a “fancy” meal, but I was craving them! They are pretty darn tasty and very filling!
Meatballs are great to make ahead of time and freeze. I make mine when I buy big packages of ground turkey at Sam’s Club – great for quick dinner when in a time crunch!
Of course, I make mine with ground turkey (instead of beef) but beef is another option. Or consider a combination of the two types of meat. I prefer to bake them instead of fry them. I also use nutritional yeast instead of bread crumbs and cheese. I like to be healthy, you know?
Meatballs:
1 lb ground turkey or beef – or BOTH!
2-4 Tbsp. nutritional yeast (adjust as needed to form balls)
1/2 c. almond milk
1 egg
2 Tbsp. chopped parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
3/4 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
Sauce:
1 large shallot, minced
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 28-oz can whole, diced or crushed tomatoes in juice
In a large bowl, mix meat and other meatball ingredients. Mix well with your hands and form small balls. Bake the meatballs at 375 for 20 minutes. Cool and freeze, or prepare the rest of the meal:
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute. Puree your tomatoes (if not using crushed) in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add tomatoes to onion mixture and blend well. Drop meatballs into tomato sauce and gently stir until nicely warm.
Although I eat mine plain, you can also serve over quinoa or pasta! Add a tossed salad on the side and you have a complete healthy meal!