20 Healthy Baked Italian Meatball Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty meals, and meatballs are a staple in many Italian dishes. However, traditional meatball recipes can often be high in fat and calories, making them less-than-ideal for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But fear not, because with this healthy baked Italian meatball recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of traditional meatballs without the guilt. Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it is also simple and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. So let's dive into this healthy baked Italian meatball recipe and get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella
If you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal, look no further than this meatball casserole. This dish combines the classic flavors of meatballs and marinara sauce with creamy ricotta cheese and pasta for a satisfying and comforting dinner. Plus, it's easy to make and can feed a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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Meatball Sub Casserole
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Italian Meatballs
Love the flavors of a meatball sub but want a more convenient and mess-free option? Try this meatball sub casserole! All the same flavors and textures of a classic sub, but in a delicious and easy-to-make casserole form. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
When the weather gets chilly, warm up with a bowl of Italian meatball soup. This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with vegetables, tender meatballs, and a savory broth. Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.
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Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Hoagie Rolls, Provolone Cheese
These oven baked meatball sandwiches are a game changer. Instead of frying or simmering your meatballs in sauce, you simply bake them in the oven and then assemble them into delicious sandwiches. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Oven Baked Meatball Subs
Main Ingredients: Hoagie Rolls, Italian Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Grated
Similar to the previous recipe, these oven baked meatball subs are a great alternative to the traditional stovetop method. The combination of crispy bread, tender meatballs, and melted cheese is sure to satisfy any craving.
If you're a fan of traditional Italian flavors, this meatball sandwich is for you. Loaded with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, this sandwich is a delicious and filling lunch or dinner option.
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Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Italian
For a hands-off approach to Italian meatball soup, try making it in your slow cooker. Just toss all the ingredients in and let it cook all day for a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Meatball Marinara Bombs
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Italian
These meatball marinara bombs are a fun and unique spin on classic meatballs. The meatballs are stuffed with mozzarella cheese and then baked in a delicious marinara sauce. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish with some pasta on the side.
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Meatball Sub Bubble Up Bake
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Italian Meatballs, Ragu, Herb Mix, Shredded
This meatball sub bubble up bake is the epitome of comfort food. It's a combination of meatballs, cheese, and bread that results in a delicious and satisfying casserole. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
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5-Ingredient Meatball Sub Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Garlic Bread, Marinara Sauce
If you're short on time or ingredients, this 5-ingredient meatball sub casserole is the perfect solution. All you need is frozen meatballs, pasta sauce, bread, cheese, and some seasoning for a simple and tasty meal that everyone will love.
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Meatball Stromboli
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Italian Meatballs, Marinara Sauce
Stromboli is a type of Italian turnover that's filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables. This recipe uses meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a delicious and hearty filling. It's a great option for a party or a family dinner.
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Meatball Crostini
Main Ingredients: French Baguette, Garlic, Italian Meatballs, Pasta
For a fun and elegant appetizer, try making these meatball crostini. The meatballs are placed on top of toasted bread slices and topped with a flavorful pesto sauce. It's a great way to impress your guests or add some variety to your usual appetizer spread.
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Cheesy Meatball Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, Baby Spinach, Ricotta
There's no such thing as too much cheese, especially when it comes to this cheesy meatball casserole. It's a combination of meatballs, pasta, and a variety of cheeses for a gooey and delicious meal that will have your whole family asking for seconds.
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Meatball Flatbread Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Olive Oil, Bell Pepper, Onion
If you're a fan of pizza and meatballs, why not combine the two? These meatball flatbread pizzas are a fun and tasty twist on traditional pizza. Plus, they're easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
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Meatball Parm Hero
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, Italian Bread
This meatball parm hero is a hearty and delicious sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It's a combination of meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese on a toasted roll. Serve with some chips or a side salad for a complete meal.
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Meatball Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Large Mushrooms, Italian Meatballs, Olive Oil Spray
If you're looking for a unique and tasty appetizer, try making these meatball stuffed mushrooms. The meatballs are placed inside the mushroom caps and topped with cheese for a flavorful and satisfying bite. Perfect for parties or a special dinner at home.
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Meatball Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Garlic Paste, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Kosher Salt
This meatball pasta bake is a great way to use up leftover meatballs and pasta. Simply toss them together with some marinara sauce and cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly. It's an easy and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Parmesan & Mozzarella Meatball Sliders
Main Ingredients: Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, Italian Meatballs, Marinara
Sliders are always a hit at parties, and these parmesan and mozzarella meatball sliders are no exception. The meatballs are topped with a delicious blend of cheeses and baked until melty and golden. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with some fries on the side.
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Italian Meatball Bites
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Biscuits, Shredded Mozzarella
These Italian meatball bites are a great party appetizer or game day snack. The meatballs are rolled in a blend of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese before being baked to perfection. Serve with some marinara sauce for dipping.
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Easy Game Day Meatball Station
Main Ingredients: Italian Meatballs, Sauce, Olives, Mozzarella Cheese
If you're hosting a game day party, set up an easy meatball station for your guests to enjoy. Provide a variety of sauces, toppings, and breads for them to create their own delicious meatball subs or sandwiches. It's a fun and interactive way to serve up a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs and mix well. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Make sure the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce.
5. Serve the meatballs over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
The Benefits of Baking Instead of Frying:
Traditionally, meatballs are fried in oil which adds unnecessary fat and calories to the dish. However, by baking the meatballs instead, you can significantly reduce the amount of fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. Baking also allows for a more even cooking and a crispy exterior, making these meatballs just as satisfying as their fried counterparts.
Final Thoughts:
This healthy baked Italian meatball recipe is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meatballs. With simple and wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal that is also good for your body. Plus, by using lean ground beef and whole wheat breadcrumbs, these meatballs are packed with protein and fiber, making them a well-rounded and balanced meal. So next time you're craving Italian, give this recipe a try and taste the difference for yourself!
