The other day I ran to the grocery store in a hurry to get a meal thrown together and I just needed to grab a few things. Meatballs were on the list. I figured I’d just pick up a bag, and that would make the meal go so much faster. Pump the brakes. Have you ever read the ingredients list on the back of pre-packaged meatballs? Oh my lanta. They are horrible. Since I’ve become a label looker in the past six months, it’s really important that I don’t pump my body full of unnecessary and yucky “chemicals” and ingredients. It took all of about .02 seconds to decide that I wasn’t buying the pre-made meatballs. I was making my own. I then remembered several months back that I’d pinned a few meatballs recipes. When I read this one I was ecstatic… it suggested grass-fed beef! After much research, back in March, my husband and I actually purchased part of a cow… 100% grass fed! Obviously – you don’t HAVE to have that, it’s just a bonus if you do ;) These meatballs are fantastic! Try ’em.
Healthy Baked Meatballs
These Healthy Baked Meatballs meatballs are SO easy and flavorful! Parmesan, whole wheat bread crumbs, and basil form the foundation for these delights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger (grass-fed if possible)
- 2 eggs beaten with 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 c. whole wheat bread crumbs*
- 1 small onion minced or grated (1/2 a large onion)
- 1/4 c. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley or basil
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. salt
- freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients . Form into golf ball sized (2-3 in.) meatballs. Bake for 30 minutes.
Recipe Notes
[My 2 cents]
I've made these a couple of times. The first ones without the eggs and milk, and the second ones with the eggs and milk. Both were delicious! I think the perfect combo would be the eggs without the milk... that's what I'll attempt next! Also, it's SUPER easy to make your own bread crumbs instead of buying pre-made. All you have to do is broil 2 slices of whole wheat bread on high until golden brown. Then flip and broil the other side. Once the bread is "toasted" let cool for several minutes and then pulverize in a food processor. Works like a charm!
Adapted from Cook with Honey
Fergus
Great Recipe, Thankyou! I might have missed it, but how many meatballs make a serving?(424 calories). Cheers.
Hannah
Just remember don’t share the sauce recipe – that’s a family secret ! :-)
Hannah
This is almost identical to the way my Italian grandmothers make meatballs, delish!! and yes, they bake them too!!
Yvonne
Cool! I love how much heritage you have in your recipes. I hope that I will be able to have recipes that I can hand down for generations to come too :)
This makes me want to try and make some! Looks delish, and I love the thought of making and freezing for later. Thanks!
Yvonne
You should definitely try them out – they are SO easy and so much better for you! If you do, let me know what you think!
These looks delicious! I usually make batches of meatballs and freeze them for later. Love!
Yvonne
I’m totally digging the freezer idea that everyone is mentioning… why didn’t I think of that?!? :)
LOVE meatballs, looks delicious!
Yvonne
Thanks for stopping by!
Meatballs are great for several meals – I think I need to make a bunch and freeze some! Thanks for the recipe! [Now I want a homemade meatball sub!]
Yvonne
Making a bunch and freezing them is an EXCELLENT idea!!! I actually made mini meatball sliders the first time I made these – so yummy!!
Jesseca
You purchased part of a cow?!? That’s awesome! Do you know if grocery stores sell grass fed?
Yvonne
Right?! It was AWESOME!!! We got all different cuts and have a huge variety in our freezer. Love it!! It’s super healthy, well, because of our research and the local farm we chose. But yes! Grocery stores do sell grass-fed! I know Harmons for sure and also Target. But I must warn you, it’s a little pricey… but oh so worth it!!
Rosalie R.
My local Stop n Shop sells free range grass fed beef, which is all I buy. It’s so much better for us ( and for the cow while he is alive).