Meatballs are one of my favorite comfort foods. For me, I love serving them with green beans or a roasted and stringed spaghetti squash and lots of marinara sauce. When I began living a more healthy lifestyle I also began swapping out high-fat meats for the leaner kind, like chicken and turkey. Meatballs was the first to get the change and I was pleasantly surprised at how the taste seemed almost enhanced in the leaner version. Not to mention the fact that I could eat more, and not feel like it was a heavy meal afterwards. Adding pork to the recipe definitely adds some fat, but used in a 2:1 ratio it can do just enough with bringing out that juicy Italian meatball flavor. As for the gluten-free and dairy-free aspect of this – traditionally, many would have added parmesan cheese and regular bread crumbs. Trust me on this one though, they will not be missed in this recipe. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are easily found at your local grocer, or you can make your own with gluten-free bread. Give these a go and roll your way into a meatball you can feel good about and your body will thank you for.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb Ground Chicken
1/2 lb Ground Italian Sausage Meat
1/2 cup gluten-free bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 tbsp minced garlic
Italian seasoning, to taste
Salt & pepper, to taste
Equipment
Baking sheet
Parchment Paper
Mixing Bowl
Method
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combine all your ingredients in a bowl, mix together. This is often best done with your hands.
Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Roll your mixture into balls and place about 1 inch apart from each other on the parchment lined baking sheet. You can choose to make large or small meatballs, but be sure to keep them all consistent so that they all bake at the same rate. The mixture will be soft, and rolling into balls by hand may be a little tricky, but it pays off!
Bake for 35-45 minutes depending on the size of the meatball (for very large - increase cooking time). Half way through, optionally you can turn the meatballs over for more consistent browning.
When finished, the meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Serve with marinara sauce.
Sarah Nicole
Since successfully losing 100lbs by changing her relationship with food and her body, Sarah has taken her passion for food and balanced it between cucumbers and cupcakes. When she's not bustling her way around a kitchen, you can find her working out or winding down at home with her 3 kids and pug. Follow Sarah's journey on Instagram @TheBirdsPapaya.
