Healthy Meatballs (with Hidden Vegetables)

healthy meatballs in large bowl and small kids bowl

4.99 from 155 votes

Healthy Meatballs (with Hidden Vegetables)

With the texture you expect from a traditional meatball but added nutrition from three types of veggies, your whole family will love these toddler meatballs.

Prep Time10

Cook Time22

Total Time32

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: about 20

Calories: 175kcal

Author: Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

½ cup carrots, roughly chopped
½ cup parsley leaves, lightly packed
1 small onion, peeled and halved
½ cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup grated Parmesan

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Coat with nonstick spray. Place the carrots, parsley, and onion into a food processor. Grind well, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the remaining ingredients and grind to combine into a smooth mixture. Portion into 2-tablespoon-size meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 22-25 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with warm marinara sauce and pasta (or ketchup and other simple sides!) as desired.

Video

Notes

To store, let cool fully and store in an airtight container in the fridge or up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Grind the veggies up before you add the rest of the ingredients to make sure they are all uniform in size. This is key. You’re aiming for the veggies to have a similar consistency as the ground meat.
Simmer them in marinara sauce for even more tender and flavorful meatballs.
Serve them diced or mashed to younger toddlers and babies as needed.
Sub in ground turkey if desired.
Gluten-free, simply use GF bread crumbs (these are really good) or even cornmeal.
Egg-free: Omit the egg and add a splash of milk.
Dairy-free: Omit the Parmesan and make as is or add some nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Nutrition