🥄 Ingredients (4 servings, about 20 meatballs)
500g lean ground beef or ground turkey (90% lean or higher)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa or oat bran (for binding + protein)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup marinara sauce (optional for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven
Set oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease. - Mix meatball ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, quinoa/oat bran, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix gently until everything is just combined (avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender). - Shape meatballs
Roll mixture into 20 evenly sized balls (~1.5 inch diameter).
Place on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. - Bake
Bake for 15 minutes. - Add cheese topping
Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top of each meatball.
Return to oven and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. - Serve
Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Great over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or whole wheat pasta for a complete meal.
💪 Nutrition (approx per serving, 5 meatballs)
Protein: 35–45g
Calories: 350–450 kcal (depends on meat fat content)
High in fiber if quinoa or oat bran used
